GALLE: Angelo Mathews’ mind fade has left Sri Lanka in a weak place on day three of the check match towards Australia at Galle.
Mathews was batting nicely, pushing in direction of a century, when he tried a wierd shot off Nathan Lyon, hitting the ball straight into the wind and getting caught by Beau Webster.
This wicket was essential, as Sri Lanka was 5-198 on the time, and the workforce collapsed afterwards, dropping two extra wickets.
“It’s a poor possibility,” Simon Katich commented. “You possibly can solely suppose the Galle warmth sapped him and he’s simply had a mind fade as a result of that was a wierd shot.”
The day began with Australia being bowled out for 414, posting a lead of 157 runs. Sri Lanka had a poor begin, dropping three wickets for 39 runs.
Nonetheless, Mathews and Kamindu Mendis mixed for a 42-run partnership, and later Mathews and Kusal Mendis added 70 runs collectively.
At 5-128 it appeared like Australia would push to victory on day three however the partnership of Mathews and Kusal Mendis stored the hosts alive.
Sadly, Mathews’ mind fade got here at a pricey time as he grew to become Nathan Lyon’s third sufferer. His dismissal sparked a collapse, and Sri Lanka ended the day at 8-211, main by simply 54 runs.
The Australian workforce is now in a powerful place to push for a sequence victory, with Sri Lanka’s batting lineup struggling to deal with the stress. The match is nearing its finish, and it appears seemingly that Australia will emerge victorious.
“They’re very, very near wrapping up this sequence,” Greg Blewett stated.
Angelo Mathews departs for 76! pic.twitter.com/vVby90eD0H
— Caught & Bowled (@caught1bowled) February 8, 2025