Smith, Labuschagne tons put Australia in strong position against Sri Lanka

GALLE: Centuries from Marnus Labuschagne (104) and Steve Smith (109 not out) put Australia in a strong position on the opening day of the second Test against Sri Lanka, here on Friday. Australia were 298 for 5 at stumps on Day 1 with Smith and Alex Carey (16) unbeaten at the crease.

Earlier, Australia won the toss, opted to bat first and fielded the same side as the first Test but Sri Lanka were forced to make four changes after a Covid outbreak in their camp.

The hosts got off to a good start with Kasun Rajitha providing them with an early breakthrough when he knocked off David Warner's off stump in the fifth over of the day.

Pairing with Ramesh Mendis and debutant Prabath Jayasuriya, Rajitha kept the Australians in check with his probing line and length. Mendis dismissed Usman Khawaja in the 22nd over just when the second-wicket partnership had started to grow. At 70/2, the match seemed evenly balanced.

However, with no demons in the pitch, it was only a matter of time before the Australia batters took back control of the game. Leading the way was Marnus Labuschagne, who did not take long after the lunch break to bring up a wonderful fifty. He accelerated upon reaching the milestone, racing towards triple figures.

The second session was completely dominated by the visitors and Steve Smith proved to be the perfect partner for Labuschagne's antics. Labuschagne departed for 104 (156) with Australia going to tea at 204/3.

However, the wicket did little to dampen Steve Smith's spirits as the veteran batter dropped in anchor. Smith's patience was rewarded when he brought up his 28th Test hundred with a crunching cover drive in the final hour of the day. It was a long wait for the talented player, who last reached triple figures in January 2021. IANS

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