Australia are on the brink of sealing a 2-0 series sweep against Sri Lanka, needing just two more wickets as the hosts finished day three at 211 for 8. Angelo Mathews' significant 76-run innings ended shortly before stumps, with Nathan Lyon leading Australia's bowling attack. Sri Lanka are ahead by only 54 runs in their second innings. Read more on TOI
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alia vs India The year 2024 saw one of the most highly anticipated cricket matches between Australia and India in the 2nd Test of their series. The match took place at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, with both teams looking to secure a crucial victory in the series. Australia, led by their captain Pat Cummins, won the toss and elected to bat first on a pitch that looked conducive to batting. The Australian openers got off to a solid start, with David Warner and Marcus Harris putting on a century partnership for the first wicket. Warner, in particular, looked in sublime touch as he played some exquisite shots all around the ground. However, the Indian bowlers fought back well, with Jasprit Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin picking up crucial wickets to put the hosts on the back foot. Despite a late flourish from Travis Head, Australia were bowled out for 320 in their first innings. In response, India got off to a shaky start, losing early wickets to the pace of Mitchell Starc and the spin of Nathan Lyon. However, captain Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara steadied the ship with a solid partnership, frustrating the Australian bowlers with their resilience. The match took an interesting turn on the third day when India collapsed in the middle order, losing quick wickets to the pace trio of Cummins, Starc, and Hazlewood. The lower order tried to salvage the innings, but India were eventually bowled out for 275, giving Australia a crucial lead of 45 runs. In their second innings, Australia got off to a flying start, with Warner and Harris once again putting on a century partnership. Warner, in particular, was in scintillating form as he scored a magnificent century to put the hosts in a commanding position. India fought back valiantly, with Bumrah and Ashwin picking up crucial wickets to keep the match alive. However, Australia eventually declared on 275/6, setting India a daunting target of 321 runs to win the match. In the end, India fell short of the target, with the Australian bowlers putting in a disciplined performance to bowl out the visitors for 250 runs. Cummins was the pick of the bowlers, picking up a five-wicket haul to lead his team to a comprehensive victory. Overall, it was a thrilling match that showcased the competitive spirit of both teams. Australia emerged victorious in the end, but India showed great fight and determination throughout the match. Cricket fans around the world were treated to a spectacle of high-quality cricket, and the series now stands at 1-1 heading into the third Test.