Jeffrey Vandersay smokes fiery fifty in Galle Test: Stats
What's the story
Australia registered a thumping innings and 242-run win over Sri Lanka in the first Test of the two-match series.
The win was set up by the brilliant bowling of spinners Matthew Kuhnemann and Nathan Lyon, who took a total of 16 wickets between them.
The margin of Australia's win would have been even more collosal had Jeffrey Vandersay not stepped up with a fifty in the third innings.
Match progression
A knoock of intent from Vandersay
Sri Lanka's middle order crumbled after decent starts, managing only 165 in the first innings.
This was a far cry from Australia's record-breaking 654/6 declared on Day 2, their highest-ever total in Asia.
The Lankans were hence asked to follow-on and they once again put up a disappointing show.
Vandersay arrived with the scorecard reading 187/7. He batted with great intent and frustrated the Aussie bowlers.
The spinner even completed his half-century before going down as the last batter.
Stats
Vandersay scripts this record
Vandersay smashed seven fours and a couple of maximums en route to his 47-ball 53.
As per ESPNcricinfo, the spinner became the first SL batter to score a Test half-century against the Aussies while operating at number nine or lower.
Meanwhile, the 34-year-old, playing his second Test, smoked his maiden fifty in the format. Overall, this was his fourth fifty in First-Class cricket.
Summary
How did the game pan out?
Australia's commanding position in the match was largely due to their first innings, where they declared at 654/6.
This was supported by Usman Khawaja's double century, Josh Inglis's debut hundred, and Steve Smith's 141.
Despite Dinesh Chandimal's 72, SL were folded for 165 in their first innings.
The Aussies hence en forced a follow on as the hosts perished for 247 in their second outing.
While Kuhnemann recorded nine scalps, Lyon took seven in the game.