Sri Lanka vs Australia, 2nd Test at Galle, Sri Lanka vs Australia, Feb 06 2025 - Ball by Ball Commentary

All smiles in the Australian camp as Smith collects the Warne-Muralitharan Trophy. The Australian team line-up for a group photo. A seriously good series win for them and they will head into that WTC final against South Africa with their tail up. It has been a pleasure calling the Test and the series. Until next time, this is me Ashish Pant signing off on behalf of Andrew McGlashan, Alex Malcolm and Ranjith. Ciao!

Steven Smith is the player of the series. He will also collect the winner's trophy and cheque: It was a really good series. We played really well form the outset. The way the batters were able to adapt to the conditions was amazing. We scored enough runs through the series. All the bowlers did the job. Starc was quick and the spinners went to work. Since 2016 the first time I came here, the guys have developed so many different plans. It is great to see the guys play the spinners, really good spinners. It was amazing. [Preparations] We had a really good training camp in Dubai where guys were able to work on their methods. Usman and Carey and Inglis use the sweep a lot. Myself and Marnus get down the track. Travis uses the feet. [Captaincy] It has been really fun. We have got such a great group. The way the guys have played was exceptional. It is fun captaining in this part of the world. The intricacies and the movement. [Partnership with Carey] It was an important one at that time. Alex played really well. He put the pressure back on the bowlers. He batted really quickly. It was great to see Alex play so well, and hope continues that way.

Dhananjaya de Silva, Sri Lanka captain: We are very disappointed to be in the losing side. The conditions is very suitable for us. We haven't had our opportunities to get into the game. The Aussies showed why they are in the WTC final. [Where did it slip?] I am talking about the first innings, be it batting or bowling. We haven't done well. We had the best time to bat this time, but 260 was not enough. Losing four wickets in an hour will not give you a win. The consistency was lacking with our spinners.

Alex Carey is the player of the match: Congratulations to Dimuth. Outstanding career, it has been a pleasure to play with him. [Batting at 5] Josh went down with a spasm and I was elevated up. Smudge was great in this innings and he showed his class. [Conventional shots] Just using those at the right time, manipulating the fields. The bowling allowed at the time. The wicket was good when the ball was pitched up in the good length. [Keeping] It is fun. We have got some quality spinners. In the subcontinent, you are always in the game. Full credit to the bowlers.

An emotional Dimuth Karunaratane who bows out of Test cricket is first up to have a chat : It is a long career with my friends and my family. I am bit emotional because I am leaving them. Wherever I go, I will be with them and will give them support. When you play 100 Test matches, it is not easy. When I started to play Test cricket, my goal was 100 Tests matches, achieving 10000 runs. Luckily I was into cricket and playing cricket for so long, I am happy. Want to thank SLC, my friends and family. [Plans] I want to get into coaching. I will be going to Australia and learn the levels. I want to spend time with my family and will then move into coaching. I would like to thank all my fans, when I am doing well and even when I am not. My teammates here, it has been a pleasure sharing the dressing room with you. This is cricket, you have to go one day.

Presentation time

Saurabh M : "So it seems India winning the Sydney test wouldn't have mattered at all .."

Australia win by nine wickets and take the series 2-0. There first series win in Sri Lanka since 2011. An outstanding performance from the visitors. They have outplayed Sri Lanka in every department from first ball to last. Clinical. For a moment yesterday there was a thought that Australia could be a set a tricky target but that wasn't to be the case. A lot to ponder for Sri Lanka as they head into the next WTC cycle. For Australia, it's plenty of boxes ticked. Their next Test series in Asia is against India in 2027 and they will take a lot from this. Matt Kuhnemann has been outstanding, Nathan Lyon continues to the GOAT and the batters have adapted to the conditions.

Damien: "Winning a test series in SENA countries is special but winning a test series in Asian countries is super special!!"

The final over of the Test? And it will be Dimuth Karunaratne to bowl. The final act of his career

A boundary away for Australia

Laurie: "@Tim, I reckon Dimuth will be keen to keep his Test bowling average below 100 by not bowling (it's currently 99.50)"

Adrian: "This is the best Marnus has looked all series.. a shame the game will finish before he has a chance to really find some form."

Tim: "Any chance of Dimuth bowling in his final Test??" Imagine he's happy to finish as a fielder

Aron: "Credit to the Australian selectors here. Game to take huge risks, and change the personality and structure of their line up to good effect! Could've easily introduced an extra spinner and otherwise left the XI unchanged."