Smith’s 36th Century & Carey’s Ton Put Australia in command against Sri Lanka

 

Steve Smith's 36th Test century, combined with a brilliant hundred from wicketkeeper Alex Carey, has put Australia in a dominant position in the second Test against Sri Lanka. At one stage, Australia was struggling at 91 for 3, but Smith and Carey stitched together a remarkable partnership to steady the innings and push their team into a commanding position. By stumps on Day 2, Australia had reached 330 for 3, taking a 73-run lead with seven wickets still in hand, strengthening their grip on the match. Smith is leading Australia in this series.

Smith played a patient yet authoritative knock, remaining unbeaten on 120 off 239 balls, while Carey unleashed an attacking innings, scoring an unbeaten 139 off 156 deliveries. Their partnership completely dismantled Sri Lanka’s bowling attack. This was Smith’s second century of the series, whereas Carey registered his second Test hundred in style.

Earlier, Australia had lost two wickets for just 37 runs, before Smith and Usman Khawaja (36) put together a crucial 54-run stand for the third wicket. Khawaja, who had impressed against spin in the first Test with a double century, looked solid again. However, he was trapped LBW while attempting a pull shot off off-spinner Nishan Peiris, who finished the day with figures of 2 for 70.

At the time of Khawaja’s dismissal, Smith was on 24 and was initially given out LBW, but a successful review overturned the decision. After that, he took control, putting the Sri Lankan bowlers under immense pressure. Carey, promoted to No. 5, made full use of the opportunity, smashing 13 fours and two sixes, while Smith’s composed innings featured nine boundaries and a six.

Smith’s Fourth Century in Five Innings

Smith reached his century in 191 balls, hitting nine fours and a six. Remarkably, this was his fourth century in his last five Test innings. He had previously scored centuries in Brisbane and Melbourne against India, while managing scores of 33 and 4 in Sydney. In Sri Lanka, he started the series with a magnificent 141 in the first Test and now has another century in Galle.

With this milestone, the 35-year-old has surpassed legendary batters like Sachin Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakkara in terms of scoring 36 centuries in the fewest innings. Only Ricky Ponting has reached this milestone in fewer innings than Smith.

Earlier, Sri Lanka was bowled out for 257 in their first innings, giving Australia a solid platform to take control of the match. Kusal Mendis was unbeaten on a gallant 85 while Starc , Lyon & Kuhnemann took 3 wickets each