Australia Shatters Records in Galle with 654 Runs | Sri Lanka Struggles

GALLE – A dominant Australian batting display left Sri Lanka’s spinners struggling for answers as the visitors amassed a record-breaking 654 runs in the first innings – the highest-ever total by a team batting first in Galle. With three centuries, including a double and a debut ton, Australia completely outclassed the hosts over the first two days of the Test.

For Sri Lanka, the situation quickly spiraled out of control. Prabath Jayasuriya, known as the "Galle-dozer" for his previous exploits on this pitch, was forced to bowl his longest-ever spell in a single innings. But despite his efforts, the hosts were left chasing shadows as Usman Khawaja, Steven Smith, and Josh Inglis took an aggressive approach, stepping out, sweeping, and manipulating the field with ease.

Australia's Gameplan Outclasses Sri Lanka’s Spinners

Winning the toss and choosing to bat is crucial in Galle, but Australia did far more than just take advantage of the conditions. Their proactive batting neutralized Sri Lanka’s spinners, who struggled to adjust their strategy. The Australian batters used their feet masterfully, sweeping both sides of the wicket and controlling the tempo, never allowing Sri Lanka’s attack to settle.

Sri Lankan leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay admitted that Australia had been relentless in their approach. "We have to give credit to the Australian batters. They played forward, played back, and swept on both sides. They never let us settle," he said.

Even as Sri Lanka tried to adjust their tactics by increasing pace, it was too late. The Australians had dictated the game, executing their plans flawlessly, while the hosts stuck to strategies that clearly weren’t working.

A Reality Check for Sri Lanka

The performance was a harsh lesson for Sri Lanka. While Galle has historically been a fortress, this match exposed their inability to adapt. Similar cracks had appeared against New Zealand in recent months, but Australia took full advantage, maintaining a run rate of 4.24 – a rare feat for visiting teams on this pitch.

Unless Sri Lanka evolves its game plan against high-quality opposition, such disappointments could become more frequent. For now, Australia has completely turned the script on its head in Galle, proving why they are one of the best teams in the world against spin.