Galle International Cricket Stadium Pitch Report For SL vs AUS 2nd Test

Muskaan Bhatt

Sri Lanka lost the first Test (Source: AP Photos)Sri Lanka lost the first Test (Source: AP Photos)

Australia is all set to lock horns with Sri Lanka in the highly awaited second Test match. The clash will take place at Galle International Cricket Stadium on February 6, Thursday. It will start at 10 AM IST.

Australia registered a thumping 242-run victory over the home-team, securing one of their biggest wins in Asia. Batting first, they posted 654/6, with Khawaja scoring a double century and Smith adding 142. Inglis marked his debut with a century. Sri Lanka were bowled out for 165 in their first innings, with Kuhnemann and Lyon taking key wickets. In the second innings, Lyon and Kuhnemann took four wickets each, as Sri Lanka fell short.

As the two prepare to meet each other once again, let us take a look at the Galle International Cricket Stadium ground stats, pitch report and players to watch out for:

Galle International Cricket Stadium Stats And Records In Tests

Criterion
Data
Matches played
47
Matches won batting 1st 26
Matches won bowling 1st 15
Average 1st innings score 375
Average 2nd innings score 306
Average 3rd innings score 239
Average 4th innings score 159

Galle International Cricket Stadium has hosted 47 Test matches. Teams batting first have won 26 times, while those bowling first have secured 15 victories. The average scores are 375 in the first innings, 306 in the second, 239 in the third, and 159 in the fourth innings.

Galle International Cricket Stadium Pitch Report: Is It Batting Or Bowling Friendly?

The pitch at Galle International Stadium is likely to offer some early assistance to the fast bowlers, especially in the new ball during the first session of Day 1. The initial phase might see some seam movement and give pacers a slight advantage. However, as the game advances and the ball ages, the conditions would favour the batters and the spinners.

While the surface should pose enough pace and bounce for aggressive stroke play, it will require demonstration of sound technique, especially against the spinners. As seen in the last match, Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith stood tall against the Lankan spin attack and there style of play helped the Aussies set up a massive total.

While the spin bowlers are going to play a very important role, the batters who have done well against spin will be more important for their team. The track is usually very difficult for batting towards the end of the match, and the spinners get more turn and bounce. Therefore, the team that wins the toss is likely to bat first and try to cash in before things get tougher.

Players To Watch Out For At Galle International Cricket Stadium

  • Travis Head: Travis Head is the dedicated maniac basher for the Australian Army. Regardless of the format, Head stays true to his game. Whether he falls for a duck or slams a quick-fire 57 off 40, Head's 'My Way or High Way' attitude is his real strength. He is expected to once again cause serious troubles to the Sri Lankan bowlers.
  • Matthew Kuhnemann: After a picking up a fiery nine-wicket haul with an exceptionally good bowling effort, it is safe to say Kuhnemann has read the conditions at Galle very well. With the upcoming match at the same venue, he is bound to be a big wicket-taker for his team once again.
  • Prabath Jayasuriya: Sri Lanka's premier spinner Prabath Jayasuriya has stellar records in Galle, scalping 71 wickets in just eight Tests. In the last match, despite the tough conditions, Jayasuriya managed to pick three crucial wickets. Hence, he is expected to add to the worries of Australia in the upcoming clash.

Other Key Players: Nathan Lyon, Kamindu Mendis, Jeffrey Vandersay, Mitchell Starc, Josh Inglis