kusal mendis
Kusal Mendis scored a match-winning 176 run knock against Australia in the first Test at Pallekele Getty

Sri Lanka host Australia in the second Test match at the Galle International Stadium on 4 August (Wednesday). The hosts lead the three-match series 1-0.

Where to watch live

Match starts at 5.30am BST. Live TV coverage of the match in the United Kingdom is available on British Eurosport 2.

Overview

Sri Lanka came into the series against Australia as underdogs despite playing at home, something which is unheard of especially when it comes to sub-continent nations. The hosts though showed just how much home conditions count, winning the first Test by a margin of 106 runs.

Kusal Mendis, once again proving to everyone why he is considered as the next big star in Sri Lankan cricket, scored 176 runs. It was his maiden Test ton. That it came in such conditions and in the situation where the hosts were struggling showed just how valuable Mendis' hundred was.

On the bowling front, Sri Lanka's most experienced bowler Rangana Herath came to the party, spinning rings round the Australian batsmen to take nine wickets for 103 runs in the match. With the conditions at Galle, expected to take up turn from day one, Herath will be expected to shoulder the load of majority of the bowling once again.

Fast-bowler Nuwan Pradeep's participation in the match is in doubt after suffering from a hamstring strain which would force the hosts to field a debutant, with Vishwa Fernando or Asitha Fernando in the fray to play on Thursday.

David Warner
David Warner posted scores of 0 and 1 in the first Test against Sri Lanka Getty

Australia's struggles in the sub-continent continued in their 106-run loss in the first Test at Pallekele. The Men from Down Under who are currently ranked as the number one Test side in the world, come into this clash with their confidence shattered, especially the batters who struggled.

That 55 runs made by captain Steven Smith was the highest score by the Australian batsman over two innings showed just how much work the visitors have to do especially considering the conditions at Galle that are expected to aid the spinners from the first day.

In David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Joe Burns, Adam Voges and skipper Smith, the visitors have batsmen who are capable of putting up big scores, in particular Warner and Smith who can win matches on their own.

The bowlers did their job, picking up wickets while also being economical. Much the same will be expected from them come Thursday. Jon Holland, the left-arm spinner is expected to make his debut in place of the injured Steve O'Keefe.

Prediction

Australia to win

Betting Odds (betfair)

  • Sri Lanka to win: 13/5
  • Draw: 21/10
  • Australia to win: 21/20

Team News

Sri Lanka

Possible XI: Kusal Perera, Kaushal Silva, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews (c), Dinesh Chandimal (wk), Dhananjaya de Silva, Dilruwan Perera, Rangana Herath, Lakshan Sandakan, Vishwa Fernando.

Australia

Possible XI: Joe Burns, David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith (c), Adam Voges, Mitchell Marsh, Peter Nevill (wk), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Jon Holland, Josh Hazelwood.

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