Table of Contents
On January 31, 2025, Kusal Mendis (L) of Sri Lanka takes a shot on the third day of the first Test cricket match between Australia and Sri Lanka at the Galle International Cricket Stadium in Galle. Image: AFP
“Jole Jwole Tara” Film Review
Before rain forced an early lunch on Friday, Dinesh Chandimal of Sri Lanka was fighting alone at 63, with Australia leading by 518 runs and consolidating their hold on the first Test.
After losing two more wickets throughout the night, wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis was at the crease on 10 as the hosts were 136-5 at the first break of day three in Galle.
Kamindu Mendis’ Test Comeback Damaged
The Bradman-like average Kamindu Mendis established at the beginning of his Test comeback last year was further damaged when he left for 15 after Mitchell Starc edged to the keeper.
After appearing at ease during his brief visit, captain Dhananjaya de Silva hurried down the track to Matthew Kuhnemann, missed the ball entirely, and gave Alex Carey a regulation stumping before departing for 22.
Australia’s Test Performance
While Nathan Lyon aggressively probed away from the other end, left-arm speedster Starc skillfully produced tough patches outside the off-stump.
After being elevated to the vital number three spot last year and averaging more than fifty subsequently, Chandimal remained resolute and prepared for an uphill battle in order to escape the follow-on.
Late in the second day, following opener Usman Khawaja’s career-high 232, Australia declared 654-6.
Steve Smith’s 10,000 Career Test Runs
On the first day, Steve Smith, the stand-in captain, became the sixteenth player and fourth Australian to reach the milestone of 10,000 career Test runs.
Next week, before a two-match ODI series in Colombo, Picturesque Galle will host the series’ second and final match.
