Matthew Kuhnemann records nine wickets in Galle Test: Key stats
What's the story
Left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann played a pivotal role in Australia's historic victory over Sri Lanka in the opening Test in Galle.
The Queenslander took 5-63 and 4-86, leading to Sri Lanka's downfall at just 165/10 and 247/10.
This resulted in a record-breaking defeat for the hosts by an innings and 242 runs, their worst ever in Test cricket history.
Match highlights
Kuhnemann's key role in Australia's win
On the fourth day of the Test, Kuhnemann was instrumental in Australia's victory.
He started the dismissal of the last five first-innings wickets, beginning with Kusal Mendis.
Although Dinesh Chandimal and Prabath Jayasuriya offered a brief resistance, Kuhnemann's spin was too much for them.
His performance was key in enforcing a follow-on and eventually guiding Australia to their record-breaking win against Sri Lanka.
Rising star
Kuhnemann's impressive career and future prospects
Kuhnemann, who recently changed his Sheffield Shield allegiances to Tasmania, has already made a mark in his career.
He took his second five-wicket haul in just the sixth innings of his career.
With an incredible record of 16 wickets in four Tests at an average of 24.93 and a strike rate of 40.7, Kuhnemann is being tipped as Nathan Lyon's successor after the latter's retirement post the 2027 Ashes tour.
Information
Kuhnemann shines in 1st Test after 2-year hiatus
Playing his first Test in almost two years, Kuhnemann was the pick of the bowlers for Australia in the first innings before dismissing four more batters in his second outing. Overall, the left-arm spinner recorded his seventh fifer in First-Class cricket.
Final moments
Australia's triumph and Sri Lanka's disappointing performance
Sri Lanka's batting collapsed in the second innings as well with Oshado Fernando and Dimuth Karunaratne falling early.
Although Kamindu Mendis and captain Dhananjaya de Silva put up some resistance, it wasn't enough to avoid a collapse.
Kuhnemann and Lyon cleaned up the tail-enders to seal Australia's victory.
The match ended with Jeffrey Vandersay hitting seven fours and two sixes before being dismissed on 53.
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.