Australia delivered a masterclass performance in the 1st Test against Sri Lanka, registering their biggest-ever win in Asia by an innings and 242 runs. This victory not only showcased Australia's dominance but also highlighted Sri Lanka's struggles with the bat.



Australia's Innings: A Record-Breaking Display


Australia won the toss and elected to bat first, setting a formidable target of 654/6 in 154 overs. Usman Khawaja led the charge with a magnificent double century, scoring 232 runs off 352 balls. His innings was a blend of patience and aggression, setting the tone for Australia's innings. Josh Inglis, on debut, also made a significant impact, scoring a century to help Australia post a massive total.


Sri Lanka's First Innings: A Collapse Under Pressure


Sri Lanka's response was lackluster, as they were bowled out for 165 in just 52.2 overs. The Australian spinners, led by Matthew Kuhnemann and Nathan Lyon, wreaked havoc, taking eight wickets between them. Kuhnemann, in particular, stood out with figures of 5/63 in the first innings. Sri Lanka's batting lineup crumbled under pressure, with only a few players managing to put up any resistance.


Follow-On and Second Innings: Another Collapse


Australia enforced the follow-on, and Sri Lanka was asked to bat again. The second innings was even more disastrous for Sri Lanka, as they were bowled out for 247 in 54.3 overs. Dinesh Chandimal and Angelo Mathews showed some fight, but their efforts were not enough to save the match. Kuhnemann once again starred with figures of 4/86, while Lyon added 4/78 to his tally.


Key Performers and Moments


 Usman Khawaja: Scored a double century, leading Australia's charge with the bat.

 Josh Inglis: Made a century on debut, contributing significantly to Australia's total.

 Matthew Kuhnemann: Took nine wickets in the match, playing a crucial role in Australia's victory.

 Nathan Lyon:  Added four wickets in the second innings, supporting Kuhnemann's efforts.


Captain's Insights


Australia's stand-in captain Steven Smith praised his team's performance, highlighting the contributions of Khawaja and Inglis. He also commended the spinners for their exceptional display. Sri Lanka's captain Dhananjaya de Silva acknowledged the tough conditions and admitted that his team's batting let them down.


Looking Ahead


With this commanding victory, Australia has taken a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. Sri Lanka will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for the second Test at the same venue. The match promises to be an exciting contest, with both teams eager to make their mark.