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Sri Lanka are set to host Australia for the second and final Test of the two-match series, starting February 6 in Galle. After suffering a crushing defeat in the first Test, where Australia registered a dominant victory by an innings and 242 runs, Sri Lanka will be looking to bounce back and salvage some pride. However, ahead of the crucial match, a significant development has emerged, with veteran Sri Lankan batter Dimuth Karunaratne announcing his retirement🌼 from international cricket.
Dimuth Karunaratne’s final bow in international cricket
The upcoming Test in Galle will be an emotional one for Karunaratne as it marks the 100th and final Test of his illustrious career. Karunaratne will be the seventh Sri Lanka cricketer to the 100th Test milestone, to follow Sanath Jayasuriya, Muttiah Muralitharan, Chaminda Vaas, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene and Angelo Mathews.
The seasoned opener has reportedly informed Sri Lanka Cricket about his decision to retire, bringing an end to a decade-long journey at the highest level. Having bee🌺n a key figure in Sri Lanka’s Test setup for years, Karunaratne’s contribution to the team has been immense, both as a batsman and as a former captain. However, with his performances dipping over the last year and growing competition for places, the 35-year-old has chosen to step away on a mꦺemorable note.
Former Sri Lanka captain Dimuth Karunaratne has informed Sri Lanka Cricket that th꧑e upcoming second Test against Australia in Galle, starting on F🦹ebruary 6, will be his final international match.
— Azzam Ameen (@AzzamAmeen)
Sri Lanka’s challenge in the second test
With the series already lost, Sri Lanka will need to regroup and put up a strong fight against a dominant Australian side to at least draw the series. The first Test exposed Sri Lanka’s weaknesses, and they will need to make major improvements, particularly in their batting and bowling departments, to avoid another heavy defeat. While the match holds sentimental value due to Karunaratne’s farewell, Sri Lanka will also be eager to end thꦇe series on a high note and prevent Australia from completing a whitewash. As Sri Lanka takes the field for the second Test, all eyes will be on Karunaratne, who will look to sign off in style, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and commitment to Sri Lankan cricket.
Also READ: Steve Smith names three Australian players who can reach 10,ꦇ000 Test runs mark
Here’s predicted XI of Sri Lanka for the 2nd test against Australia
1. Oshada Fernando
Oshada struggled in both innings, scoring 7 and 6, falling LBW each time. His inability to handle Australia’s spinners and seamers early put Sri Lanka on the back foot. He needs to improve his shot selection and technique to counter the new ball. Given his experience, he is likely to retain his spot but must step up.
2. Dimuth Karunaratne
The Sri Lankan former skipper had a disappointing Test, managing only 7 and 0, failing to anchor the innings. His 🅷dismissal for a duck in the second💧 innings was a major setback. As the most experienced batter, he must provide stability at the top. His leadership will be crucial in bouncing back against Australia’s bowling attack.
3. Dinesh Chandimal
Chandimal w🌟as Sri Lanka’s best batter, scoring a well-compiled 72 off 13🐼9 balls in the first innings and 31 in the second. He showed great patience and technique but lacked support from the other end. His ability to play long innings makes him a vital part of Sri Lanka’s lineup. He will need to convert his starts into big scores in the second Test.
4. Angelo Mathews
Mat﷽hews had a forgettable outing, dismissed for 7 and 41, both times caught by Travis Head off Lyon’s bowling. His second-innings knock was promising, but he failed to push on to a big score. With his experience, Sri Lanka needs more con🀅sistency from him in the middle order. He must improve his shot selection against Australia’s spinners.
5. Kamindu Mendis
Kamindu showed glimpses of his talent, scoring 15 and 32, with an aggressive strike rate in the second innings. His counterattacking approach provided some resistance but wasn’t enough t🗹o change the game. He will need to be more patient against Australia’s disciplined bowling attack. If he can convert his starts, he could be a key asset in the s🍸econd Test.
6. Dhananjaya de Silva (Captain)
De Silva played a couple of decent knocks, scoring 22 and 39, providing stability in the middle order. His second-innings knock included 8 boundaries, but he fell at a crucial juncture both times. As vice-captain, he must take responsibility and guide Sri Lanka through pressure situations. His ability to play spi൩n well will be crucial in the second Test.
7. Kusal Mendis (Wicketkeeper)
Kusal had a moderate outing, scoring 21 and 34, falling to Kuhnemann and Lyon. His second-innings dismissal via stumping showed his struggle against quality spin. As a wicketkeeper-batter, he needs to contribute more with the bat. Improving his footwork against spinners will be essential in the next 🅷match.
8. Asitha Fernando
Asitha had a tough Test, bowling 15 overs for 77 runs without taking a wicket. He struggled to generate movement and was expensive in the first innings. As Sri Lanka’s main pacer, he needs to step up with early breakthroughs. If conditions favor seamers, he must exploit them better in the♓ second Test.
9. Nishan Peiris
Peiris had a disappointing Test, bowling 41 overs without taking a wicket, conceding 189 runs. He lacked consistency and control, allowing Austra⭕lia to dominate. If he retains his place, he must improve his accuracy and variations. The Sri Lankan attack needs more support fr𝓰om him in spin-friendly conditions.
10. Prabath Jayasuriya
Jayasuriya was Sri Lanka’s ⛄best bowler, taking 3 wickets for 193 runs in 60 overs. He bowled long spells with good control but lacked support from the other end. His ability to trouble Australian batters makes him a crucial part of the attack. If he gets more assistance from the pitch, he could be Sri Lanka’s match-winner in the second Test.
11. Jeffrey Vandersay
Vandersay took 3 wickets for 182 runs in 38 overs, but was expensive at 4.78 economy♕. He showed glimpses of control but leaked runs under pressure. He needs to be more disciplined and build pressure through dot balls. If he sharpens his accuracy, he can be a key contributor in the second Test.
Final XI composition
- Top Order: Oshada Fernando, Dimuth Karunaratne, Dinesh Chandimal
- Middle Order: Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva
- Wicketkeeper: Kusal Mendis
- Bowlers: Asitha Fernando, Nishan Peiris, Prabath Jayasuriya, Jeffrey Vandersay
