Sri Lanka vs Australia Second Test Tips - Visitors in good shape

By Sridhar Bhamidi

05 Feb 2025

Sridhar Bhamidi 05 Feb 2025

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Sri Lanka vs Australia Second Test match predictions to be played in Galle from Thursday, February 6
Sri Lanka won 5 of their last 7 Tests at this venue
Australia lost 4 of their last 6 away Tests against Sri Lanka

Can Sri Lanka give a fitting farewell to Dimuth Karunaratne? (Getty Images)

Sri Lanka vs Australia Second Test

Australia gave Sri Lanka an absolute hiding in the first Test, running them off in all three departments. The visitors won the match by an innings and 242 runs within three days. The teams meet again at the Galle International Stadium from Thursday with the series on the line.

Sri Lanka vs Australia Second Test
Head to Head
Sri Lanka Form
Sri Lanka Team News
Australia Form
Australia Team News
Sri Lanka vs Australia Second Test FAQs

Sri Lanka will hope they can give a perfect send-off to former captain Dimuth Karunaratne, who will retire from Test cricket. Going by their performance in the first Test, they are unlikely to do that, but if you are willing to put a risky punt back on the hosts once again. A safer proposition could be to back Australia to have the best batsman of the Test.

Sri Lanka won 4 of their last 6 home matches against Australia (Tests).
Sri Lanka won 5 of their last 7 matches at this venue (Tests).
Sri Lanka won 6 of their last 9 home matches (Tests).
Australia lost 3 of their last 6 away matches in Asia (Tests).
Travis Head has 2 scores of 140 or more in his last 5 matches (Tests).

Head to Head

Sri Lanka has played Australia in 34 Tests so far, with five wins for the Lankans and 21 victories for the Australians. Eight matches ended in a draw. All five of those wins came at home venues for the Islanders.

In the first Test, Australia declared at 654 for 6, led by Usman Khawaja (232), Steven Smith (142), and Josh Inglis (102). The bowlers did the job then, with Sri Lanka folding for 165 and 247, with Matthew Kuhnemann taking nine, Nathan Lyon taking seven, and Mitchell Starc taking three wickets.

Sri Lanka Form

Sri Lanka is 6th in the WTC table with 41.67 percentage points. They have won five and lost seven of their 12 Tests in this cycle.

The Islanders lost the match in the first session itself when the Aussie openers started aggressively. The Lankans were poor with their decision-making as well, especially their DRS decisions.

Jeffrey Vandersay (3 for 182) was perhaps their best bowler, although unlucky at times. The batters flopped in both innings, with only Dinesh Chandimal (103) showing some resistance.

Sri Lanka Team News

Oshada Fernando didn’t fare well as an opener and that could open the door for Pathum Nissanka, who was injured for the first Test. If he’s still not fit, Lahiru Udara could get a debut. Nishan Peiris and Asitha Fernando didn’t do much, which means the recalled Ramesh Mendis could get a game, while Lahiru Kumara may fancy a chance.

Australia Form

Australia is 2nd with 65.74 percentage points and are confirmed finalists with 12 wins and two draws from their 17 Tests. Building up on the BBorder–GavaskarTrophy that they won 3-1 against India at home, Australia is now another draw away from the WWarne–MuralidharanTrophy.

Khawaja was Australia’s top scorer in the first Test, but it was Travis Head who got them going with 57 off 40 balls. Inglis was brilliant on his debut, while Marnus Labuschagne (20) was the only one missing out.

Their bowling was led by Kuhnemann, while Lyon wheeled away with his impressive control.

Australia Team News

Sam Konstas left Australia to be part of New South Wales’ Sheffield Shield team. That could leave them sweating over the possibility of switching Beau Webster with Cooper Connolly, another debutant. If they play Webster, then Todd Murphy could sit out.

Sri Lanka vs Australia Second Test FAQs

Where can I watch the Sri Lanka vs Australia Second Test live stream?

Our live streaming calendar shows you where to watch the Sri Lanka vs Australia Second Test live stream.

What time does Sri Lanka vs Australia Second Test start?

This Sri Lanka vs Australia Second Test match is being played at the Galle International Stadium in Galle starting at 10 a.m. IST on Thursday, February 6.

Verdict

Sri Lanka v Australia - 2nd Test

I am tempted to put money on Sri Lanka bouncing back to win here, as they look to give Karunaratne a fitting send-off. That can be an exotic bet, while your regular pick can be on backing Australia to have the best batsman of the match.