Alex Carey Breaks Gilchrist’s Record Australian wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey made history on Saturday, surpassing the legendary Adam Gilchrist to become the first Aussie gloveman to score 150+ runs in Asian conditions. Carey’s remarkable feat unfolded during the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, where he played a defining knock to propel Australia to a commanding position.
Record-Breaking Knock in Galle
Carey reached his milestone in the 87th over of Australia’s first innings, executing a well-timed paddle sweep off Prabath Jayasuriya. His innings of 156 off 188 balls, laced with 15 fours and 2 sixes, was a testament to his adaptability in spin-friendly conditions.
Previously, Adam Gilchrist held the record for the highest score by an Australian wicketkeeper in Asia, with 144-run knocks in both Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Carey now joins Gilchrist as only the second Aussie wicketkeeper-batter to score a Test century on the subcontinent.
However, his stellar innings came to an end in the 93rd over, when Jayasuriya cleaned up his off-stump as Carey attempted a sweep shot. Despite his dismissal, his strike rate of 82.98 highlighted the aggressive yet controlled approach that defined his innings.
Match Overview: Australia in a Dominant Position
The Galle Test has been a gripping contest, with both teams experiencing momentum shifts.
Sri Lanka’s First Innings
Opting to bat first, the hosts put up 257 runs in 97.4 overs, anchored by strong contributions from:
- Kusal Mendis (85 off 139, 10 fours, 1 six)
- Dinesh Chandimal (74 off 163, 6 fours, 1 six)
Australia’s bowling attack was led by:
- Mitchell Starc (3/27)
- Matthew Kuhnemann (3/63)
- Nathan Lyon (3/96)
Australia’s Response
The visitors found themselves in early trouble at 91/3, losing:
- Travis Head (21)
- Marnus Labuschagne (4)
- Usman Khawaja (36)
However, the innings took a dramatic turn with two commanding centuries:
- Alex Carey (156 off 188, 15 fours, 2 sixes)
- Steve Smith (120* off 239, 9 fours, 1 six)
At stumps on Day 2, Australia stood at 330/3, leading by 73 runs. Their advantage has now stretched beyond 100 runs, putting them in firm control of the match.
With Carey’s record-breaking innings setting the tone, Australia will look to consolidate their position and press for a series-defining victory in Galle.
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