Alex Carey surpasses Gilchrist's record with 156-run knock in Galle
What's the story
Australia's wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey has broken a long-standing record with his brilliant 156-run innings against Sri Lanka in Galle.
Carey's performance is now the highest score by an Australian wicketkeeper in Asia, bettering Adam Gilchrist's previous best.
Carey's superb show of skill and grit came on a turning track, which is notoriously difficult for visiting batters.
Here are further details.
Strategic alliance
Carey's partnership with Smith strengthens Australia's position
Carey walked into the field with Australia at a shaky 91/3, but his association with Steve Smith (131) added 259 runs to the total.
This tactical partnership ensured Australia's innings was steady against Sri Lanka's spinners.
During his 188-ball stay, Carey smashed 15 fours and two sixes employing a mix of sweeps, cuts, and immaculate footwork against the rival attack.
Match progression
Australia seizes control on Day 3 of Test match
After bowling out Sri Lanka for 257, Australia came back strong in the first-innings, reaching 377/6 on Day 3.
Despite early blows in the form of Travis Head (21) and Marnus Labuschagne's (4) dismissals, the momentum swung toward Australia thanks to Smith and Carey's fighting stand.
Left-arm spinner Jayasuriya, however, broke this partnership, sending Smith and Josh Inglis back in one over.
Bowling performance
Jayasuriya shines for Sri Lanka with 4 wickets
Jayasuriya also sent Carey back a few overs later, bringing an end to his record-breaking innings.
As the match stands, Beau Webster and Cooper Connolly are expected to continue batting for Australia.
Despite Australia's commanding position, Jayasuriya has been the pick of the bowlers for Sri Lanka with four important wickets to his name.
Peiris also helped by getting the wickets of Head and Usman Khawaja.
DYK
Carey scripts this record
As per ESPNcricinfo, Carey became the first Aussie keeper to script a 150-plus Test score in Asia.
He went past Gilchrist, who made 144 each in Kandy (2004) and Fatullah (2006).
No other Aussie keeper owns a ton in the continent.
Meanwhile, Carey's 156 is now the fourth-highest score by a non-Asian keeper in Asia.
The southpaw is only behind Zimbabwe's Andy Flower (232* in Nagpur and 183* in Delhi) and SA's AB de Villiers (164 in Dubai).
Stats
Here are his career numbers
Carey's 156 off 188 balls saw him slam 15 fours and two sixes.
In 39 matches, Carey owns 1,757 runs in Tests at 35.14. This is now his best Test score. He owns two tons and 9 fifties.
As per ESPNcricinfo, the southpaw has 526 runs in Asia at 43.83 (100s: 1, 50s: 2).
The Aussie star has raced to 291 Test runs against the Lankans at 97.