SL 229/9 at Stumps | Sri Lanka vs Australia 2nd Test 2025 Day 1 Highlights: Australia Dictate Proceedings Despite Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Mendis Fifties

Stumps on Day 1!  Australia have totally dictated proceedings on Day 1 of the SL vs AUS 2nd Test. Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon were the best bowlers for Australia as they took three wickets each while Matthew Kuhnemann scalped two. It was an emotional day for Sri Lankan cricket with Dimuth Karunaratne, one of the longest-serving players, featuring in his 100th and last Test match. While he impressed with his 36, he would have wanted to make it big in his landmark game. His 70-run partnership with Dinesh Chandimal helped Sri Lanka gain some momentum early and the hosts rode on another stand, this time yielding 65 runs between Kusal Mendis and Ramesh Mendis before the latter was dismissed Mitchell Starc towards close of play. For Sri Lanka, Dinesh Chandimal scored a solid 74 and the hosts will want Kusal Mendis, who is unbeaten on 59 to continue and extend this total past the 250-run mark.

OUT! Mitchell Starc has two wickets in two balls, dismissing Ramesh Mendis and Prabath Jayasuriya! The left-arm pacer continues to wreak havoc and pushed Sri Lanka on the backfoot once again. The first one to fall was Ramesh Mendis who got a faint edge to the wicketkeeper. Prabath Jayasuriya next ball edges one to Steve Smith at slips. Ramesh Mendis c Alex Carey b Mitchell Starc 28(94) and Prabath Jayasuriya c Steve Smith b Mitchell Starc 0(1)

The partnership between Kusal Mendis and Ramesh Mendis is worth 63 runs now and it is going strong. Sri Lanka will look to have both of them remain unbeaten at stumps while Australia would ideally want a couple of more dismissals to stamp their authority on this game.

200 up for Sri Lanka! After losing too many wickets early in each session, some timely partnerships have helped the side reach 200-run mark. A handy and important 70-run partnership between Kusal and Ramesh Mendis cant e overseen. 

With six wickets already gone, Kushal Mendis is now looking to score as many runs as possible. Smashing few boundaries he is now taking the aggressive stance.  

Out! Big blow for Sri Lanka as the side loses its set batter early in the third session. Tossed up around off, dips on a length after drawing Chandimal forward and then turns away past the edge. Carey takes the bails off and Chandimal's back foot is on the line. Dinesh Chandimal st Alex Carey b Matthew Kuhnemann 74 (163) 

Batting on 70, Dinesh Chandimal has scored nearly half of the team's total. He is the only batter looked settled in the middle. Australia on the other hand will be please with the performance, sending back top five batters. 

Nathan Lyon has been outstanding for the Australia side picking up three wickets in the innings so far. Travis Head also chipped in with one wicket while Mitchell Starc removed captain Dhananjaya de Silva. Visitors on top at the moment. 

Out! The change once again worked for Australia.  flighted delivery outside off and Kamindu Mendis was shaping for the cut, but there's some extra bounce and he can only edge it into the hands of Smith at slip - a soft disamissal yet again. Kamindu Mendis c Steve Smith b Travis Head 13 (21)

50 for Chandimal! Despite watching his partners at the other end getting out early, Chandimal has been superb against spin. He hasn't been troubled much and hence he has been able to notch up his fifty. The right-handed batter need someone to stick with him for a big score. 

Nathan Lyon picking up all three wickets for Australia. Dinesh Chandimal close to half century will look for some support. Visitors dominating the second session early on. 

Even though the Sri Lanka national cricket team has few runs on the board, the side will be pleased with their batting performance - especially after succeeding to withstand the first session of the match without losing many wickets.  

A good solid start for the Sri Lankan side as compared to the first match. Exprerienced pair of Dimuth Karunaratne and Dinesh Chandimal now has stitched a 50-run partnership and will look to see-off the first session without losing any more wicket. 

After Nissanka's dismissal, Sri Lanka now once again has a new batter in the middle. But experienced pair of Dimuth Karunaratne and Dinesh Chandimal will look to keep the wickets and go for a big partnership. 

Out! Just as when the Sri Lankan side was looking to get in the rhythm, a change in bowling did the trick for Australia. Nathan Lyon replaces Matthew Kuhnemann and picks up wicket on his fourth delivery. The spin and the bounce does the batter in. Nissanka went too far across to sweep it behind square but missed the line of the delivery. Pathum Nissanka b Nathan Lyon 11 (31) 

Letting go the lose deliveries early in the innings is a very smart choice by the Sri Lankan openers who are priortising settling in the middle. Unlike the first Test, Sri Lanka hold on to the early wickets as Pathum Nissanka and Dimuth Karunaratne take time to adjust to conditions. 

Aiming for a determined and steady start for the side, Pathum Nissanka and Dimuth Karunaratne  have to play out this opening session well. Karunaratne playing in his 100th and final Test will look for 'an innings to remember' performance. 

Just like, Australia, the Sri Lanka national cricket team also has made one change in the side recalling off-spinner Ramesh Mendis. This will give hosts some firepower in the bowling line-up. Check out Sri Lanka playing XI for the 2nd Test Against Australia

Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva(c), Kusal Mendis(w), Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Nishan Peiris, Lahiru Kumara 

Well then Australia brings in another new face that has been the case since Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Tis time its Cooper Connolly making his debut for the Aussies. Check out Australia Playing XI for the Sri Lanka vs Australia 2nd Test 2025:
Usman Khawaja, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith(c), Josh Inglis, Alex Carey(w), Beau Webster, Cooper Connolly, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Kuhnemann, Nathan Lyon

After winning the toss, Sri Lankan captain Dhananjaya de Silva opts to bat first. With few changes in the bowling lineup, Sri Lanka will enter the game with fairly similar team that played in the opening Test.