Sri Lanka vs Australia Test Match : Chandimal, Mendis, Highlights, How to Watch

JYNEWS, Sri Lanka vs Australia Test Match : The 2025 Warne-Muralitharan Trophy has exploded into chaos as Sri Lanka collapsed spectacularly on Day 1 of the second Test against Australia in Galle. With Dinesh Chandimal fighting a lone battle and Ramesh Mendis’ controversial recall backfiring, this match is a rollercoaster of drama. Here’s everything you need to know about the carnage—and where to catch every heart-stopping moment.

Sri Lanka vs Australia 2nd Test Overview: A Day of Disaster for the Lions

Sri Lanka’s hopes of redemption after their humiliating innings defeat in the first Test were crushed within hours of Day 1. Electing to bat first on a Galle pitch offering sharp turn, the hosts crumbled to 144/5 at tea, losing four wickets in a chaotic session. Only Dinesh Chandimal (70*) stood firm, weathering Australia’s relentless spin attack led by Nathan Lyon (3/47).The match marks veteran opener Dimuth Karunaratne’s 100th and final Test, but his farewell tour turned sour with a dismissal for 27. Meanwhile, Ramesh Mendis, controversially recalled after being dropped since 2023, failed to justify his selection, falling for a duck.

Key Players: Heroes and Villains

Dinesh Chandimal: The Lone Warrior

Chandimal, Sri Lanka’s last-standing hope, played a masterclass in survival. His unbeaten 70 showcased impeccable footwork against Lyon’s spin and Starc’s reverse swing. With 13 boundaries, he single-handedly dragged Sri Lanka to respectability.Stat Alert:

• Chandimal’s 70* is his 15th Test 50+ score in 2024-25, the most by any Sri Lankan.
• He now averages 62.8 in Tests since his recall in 2023.

Ramesh Mendis: A Gamble Gone Wrong

The off-spinner’s return to the XI after a year-long absence backfired spectacularly. Promoted to No. 7 to bolster the batting, Mendis fell for a golden duck to part-timer Travis Head. His bowling later proved equally toothless, leaking 28 runs in 5 overs.Controversy: Fans blasted selectors for dropping Jeffrey Vandersay, who took 3 wickets in the first Test, for Mendis.

Nathan Lyon: The Silent Assassin

Lyon dismantled Sri Lanka’s top order with surgical precision. His dismissal of Pathum Nissanka (11) via a ripping off-break that clipped the top of middle stump was the ball of the day.Milestone Alert: Lyon needs 4 more wickets to overtake Shane Warne as Australia’s leading wicket-taker in Sri Lanka.

Live Score Updates: Sri Lanka Implode in Chaotic Session

Session Breakdown:

• Morning Session: Sri Lanka 87/1 (Karunaratne 27, Chandimal 31)
• Post-Lunch Collapse: 87/1 → 144/5 (57 runs, 4 wickets)

Fall of Wickets:

1. 23/1: Nissanka b Lyon (11)
2. 93/2: Karunaratne b Lyon (27)
3. 108/3: Mathews c Smith b Lyon (9)
4. 112/4: Kamindu Mendis c Carey b Head (4)
5. 144/5: Dhananjaya de Silva c Labuschagne b Starc (18)

Notable Moments:

• Stoinis’ Shock Retirement: During the session, Marcus Stoinis announced his ODI retirement, distracting fans mid-collapse.
• DRS Drama: Chandimal survived three close LBW appeals, with HawkEye showing the ball missing leg stump by millimeters each time.

Where to Watch Sri Lanka vs Australia Live

• India: Sony Sports Ten 5 (TV), SonyLIV & FanCode (streaming)
• Australia: Channel 7 & 7Plus (free)
• Sri Lanka: DialogViU, SLC YouTube (free)
• UK: Sky Sports Cricket
• USA: Willow TV

Hotstar Alert: Indian viewers can catch Hindi commentary on Disney+ Hotstar.

Sri Lanka vs Australia Q&A

Q: Why did Sri Lanka drop Jeffrey Vandersay for Ramesh Mendis?

A: Selectors cited Mendis’ superior batting, but his golden duck exposed the gamble. Vandersay had taken 3 wickets in the first Test.

 

Q: Can Sri Lanka still win this Test?

A: Unlikely. Australia need 5 more wickets to bundle Sri Lanka under 200, and their batters thrive on spin-friendly tracks.

 

Q: How significant is Chandimal’s innings?

A: Critical. Without his 70, Sri Lanka might have folded under 100. His knock delayed Australia’s dominance.

 

Q: What’s next in the series?
A: After this Test, both teams head into ODIs on Feb 12 and 14, preludes to the 2025 Champions Trophy.

 

The Verdict: Australia’s Galle Domination Continues

With Sri Lanka reeling at 144/5 and Chandimal running out of partners, Australia are poised for another innings victory. For Sri Lanka, this Test is a harsh reminder of their reliance on aging stars and flawed selection policies. As the sun sets over Galle, one question lingers: How long can Chandimal keep carrying this team?Stay tuned—this collapse isn’t over yet.