Left Arm Around

Steve Smith and Alex Carey struck centuries to leave Australia in a commanding position on day two of the second Test in Galle.

The visitors ended 330-3, a lead of 73 on Sri Lanka’s first innings effort of 257 all-out.

Skipper Smith secured his 36th Test ton- and fourth in his past five Tests- to finish 120 not out, while Carey remains unbeaten on 139 from 156 deliveries.

Carey’s brilliant knock from number five justified his promotion from seven, despite the form of Josh Inglis who hit a rapid hundred in that spot on debut last week.

The left-hander made history to become just the second Australian wicket-keeper batter to make a century in Asia- joining the great Adam Gilchrist who hit four centuries in the sub-continent.

Six more runs will see Carey claim the highest individual score by an Australian keeper in Asia- overtaking Gilchrist’s knock of 144 not-out against Bangladesh in 2006.

While both Carey and Smith made batting look easy in the most contrasting of styles, their unbroken stand of 239 was extremely crucial after Sri Lanka made early inroads.

Nishan Peiris removed openers Travis Head (21) and Usman Khawaja (36), while Prabath Jayasuriya pinned Marnus Labuschagne LBW for 4.

A position of 91-3 left the tourists in probably their first period of semi-strife across the series so far, but the pairing of Smith and Carey ensured any potential jitters were short-lived with a masterclass on how to play spin bowling.

The hugely experienced Smith was methodical and patient as he drew level with Englishman Joe Root on 36 centuries, continuing the wonderful touch he has displayed since the back end of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Only a few months ago, plenty were calling to consider Smith’s future in the XI as the incredible numbers of his peak were seeming to dwindle far beyond what was expected. Perhaps a victim of his own success.

But after all those discussions in the media, Smith has emphatically responded to the doubters in the best way possible: leading by example and scoring huge runs with the bat.

As for Carey, this was a second Test hundred in a scintillating, aggressive manner that he was best known for when he first broke in to Australia’s one-day setup.

Striking 13 fours and two sixes, the 33-year-old remained aggressive and fluent throughout with the hosts’ left scratching their heads for answers.

Earlier, Sri Lanka added 29 runs to their overnight score of 229-9 to finish 257 all-out.

Kusal Mendis was left stranded on 85 not-out when Matthew Kuhnemann took the final wicket of Lahiru Kumara.