Lyon praises Kuhnemann as Australia dominate Sri Lanka

Australia bounced back strongly after a tough start to day three of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, taking eight wickets on Saturday after collapsing with the bat earlier in the day.

The visitors began play on 3/330 but quickly found themselves 414 all out, losing seven wickets for 64 runs after the overnight partnership between Steve Smith (131) and Alex Carey (156) was broken.

Prabath Jayasuriya was the primary culprit, taking four wickets in the first session to complete his five-wicket haul.

Despite the collapse briefly stymying Australia’s momentum, they still held a 157-run lead at the halfway mark and quickly swung live betting odds further in their favour with early wickets.

Pathum Nissanka (8), Dimuth Karunaratne (14) and Dinesh Chandimal (12) all fell cheaply to leave Sri Lanka at 3/39.

Angelo Mathews (76) did well to dig his heels in, while Kusal Mendis (48*) continued his strong form.

At 5/198 with both batsmen established, Sri Lanka looked set to post a competitive fourth-innings total for Australia to chase.

However, three late wickets turned the match on its head, with Mathews exiting before Ramesh Mendis (0) and Jayasuriya (6) also fell, leaving Kusal with no more recognised batsmen for company when play resumes on day four.

Top online bookmakers heavily favours Australia to kick on and win the Test on Sunday, paying just $1.02 for the visitors to prevail with Sri Lanka sitting at 8/211 and just 54 runs ahead.

Cricket betting sites give the hosts little to no chance, paying $19 for a Sri Lanka win.

Speaking after the day’s play, veteran spinner Nathan Lyon credited bowler Matthew Kuhnemann for Australia’s inroads with the ball.

“Cooney’s (Kuhnemann) been exceptional, and he deserves all the praise that he actually gets,” Lyon said after his fellow spinner took his seventh wicket of the match.

“I hope he gets a lot of it, because the way he broke his thumb three weeks ago, and showed the courage to come out here and bowl.

“I know it’s hurting him, but he’s there, he’s showing a lot of courage, and he’s bowling exceptionally well.

“He’s bowling his best ball over and over, and challenging the guy’s defence, and that’s all we can ask.

“He’s playing his role to his best ability, and I’m extremely proud of him.

“This is his fifth Test match, is it?

“For him to take 16 wickets thus far in this series, with a couple still out there, I think he’s been our best bowler.”

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