Australia in Prime Position for Victory Following Remarkable Centuries by Alex Carey and Steve Smith

On day two in Galle, Steve Smith and Alex Carey put on a spectacular display against Sri Lanka, amassing an impressive 239-run partnership that significantly tilted the match in Australia’s favour.

Smith struck his 36th Test century in the third session, and shortly thereafter, Carey followed suit with the second century of his own career.

At the end of the day, Australia posted a relentless 3-330, establishing a solid 73-run lead.

“Steve Smith is officially back,” remarked Greg Blewett on Channel Seven.

“It seems unlikely Australia will lose this Test match from here.”

Australia entered the day aiming for just one wicket, but Kusal Mendis and Lahiru Kumara frustrated the visitors with a 33-run stand.

Ultimately, Matt Kuhnemann managed to dismiss Kumara, leaving Mendis perched at 85 not out, just shy of a century.

The Australians’ start was anything but smooth, finding themselves at 2-37 with Travis Head (21) and Marnus Labuschagne (4) both dismissed early.

Usman Khawaja was the next casualty at 36, falling to Nishan Peiris who trapped him leg before wicket. Khawaja reviewed the decision, but to no avail.

From that point onwards, it became the Smith and Carey showcase.

Both players rarely looked in trouble, despite Smith initially being given out lbw before successfully overturning the decision upon review.

Smith’s century came from 191 deliveries, prompting commentator Adam Collins to declare, “This truly signifies the resurgence of Steve Smith, the run machine.”

Blewett concurred, stating, “There’s been some insightful commentary labelling this as the second coming of Steve Smith, and it genuinely is.”

He added, “It’s fantastic to see a prominent player in the sport return to form.”

In contrast to Smith, Carey’s century was reached off just 118 balls. As he heads into day three, he is poised to challenge an Adam Gilchrist record.

Currently, the legendary Gilchrist holds the record for the highest score by an Australian wicketkeeper in Asia with a score of 144, achieved twice: once in Kandy, Sri Lanka, in 2004, and again against Bangladesh in Fatullah in 2006.