Australia dismantles Sri Lanka for biggest Test defeat in history

Australia wrapped up the first Test against Sri Lanka in just four days, securing an innings-and-242-run victory, their biggest defeat in Test cricket.

Sri Lanka were bowled out for 247 in their second innings, following Australia’s dominant first-innings total of 654/6 declared.

This handed Sri Lanka their heaviest loss, surpassing their previous record of an innings-and-239-run defeat to India in 2017.

Australia’s spinners Matthew Kuhnemann and Nathan Lyon wreaked havoc, claiming 16 wickets across both innings. Kuhnemann, who had already taken five wickets in the first innings, finished with career-best figures of 9/149.

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“We started off well, with the openers setting the tone,” said Australia captain Steven Smith. “Usman (Khawaja) was outstanding with his double hundred, and Josh (Inglis) and I both contributed with centuries.

The 650-run total allowed us to dictate terms.” Smith praised the bowling attack, highlighting the advantage of having three spinners who could stay fresh and create an impact.

Sri Lanka’s batting crumbled under pressure. They lost eight wickets in a single session before lunch and another seven after the break.

Their lone resistance came from Dinesh Chandimal, who scored 72 in the first innings, while Jeffrey Vandersay’s 53 off 47 balls in the second innings briefly delayed the inevitable.

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However, with Sri Lanka needing just four more runs to surpass their heaviest defeat, Vandersay’s reckless dismissal sealed their fate.

Sri Lanka’s batting lacked consistency, with only two half-centuries in the entire match. Changes are expected ahead of the second Test in Galle, as questions arise over the team’s ability to build partnerships and show discipline at the crease.

Captain Dhananjaya de Silva had spoken of reclaiming the Warne-Murali Trophy, which Sri Lanka lost to Australia in 2019.

However, with Australia now leading 1-0 in the two-match series, the trophy remains firmly in Australian hands. “We had our moments but couldn’t capitalize on them,” de Silva admitted, citing costly dropped catches and review errors.

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Khawaja was named man of the match for his remarkable double century, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to play for Australia.

“Galle is a tough place to play, but this win is very satisfying,” he said, reflecting on his previous tours of Sri Lanka and how his experience helped him succeed.