Left Arm Around

Australia romped to a 2-0 series win inside the first session on day four of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle.

The tourists chased a victory target of 75 for the loss of only one wicket inside 18 overs to complete a nine-wicket win.

Travis Head was the only man to fall for 20 as Australia claimed their first series triumph in the country since 2011.

Usman Khawaja remained unbeaten on 27, while Marnus Labuschagne ended his lean tour with 26 not out.

Sri Lanka were earlier dismissed for 231 inside the first 25 minutes, adding just 20 runs to their overnight score of 211-8.

Nathan Lyon opened proceedings with the crucial wicket of Kusal Mendis for 50, before Beau Webster concluded the hosts’ second innings when he bowled Lahiru Kumara.

Both Lyon and Matthew Kuhnemann ended with four wickets apiece in a series where they took 30 of the 40 Sri Lankan wickets to fall.

It was a disappointing end for opener Dimuth Karunaratne, who ended his career with 7222 Test runs and 16 centuries at an average of 39.25.

Australia have won five of their past six Tests since their most recent defeat to India at Perth in November.

On the flipside, Sri Lanka have lost four consecutive Tests following a 2-0 series whitewash defeat in South Africa last year.

What’s next?

The two sides face off again in a two-match ODI series, starting in Colombo on February 12.

Australia’s next Test assignment is the World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa at Lord’s in June.

They will look to retain the trophy they won against India in June 2023.