Galle: Nathan Lyon and part-time spinner Travis Head wrecked Sri Lanka on a treacherous track to help Australia to a 10-wicket win inside three days of the opening test in Galle on Friday. The tourists were in the box seat once they carved out a first innings lead of 109 in the spin-dominated, low-scoring contest at the Galle International Stadium.
Lyon (4-31) combined with spin partner Mitchell Swepson (2-34) to mow down Sri Lanka`s top order and Head polished off their tail to skittle out Sri Lanka for 113 in their second innings.
Opener David Warner needed four balls to seal the win, smashing a six off Ramesh Mendis to bring up the victory. Skipper Dimuth Karunaratne`s 23 was the highest tally on Sri Lanka`s sorry-looking scorecard, with all 10 batsmen dismissed by the spinners.
Lyon finished with a match haul of nine wickets but Cameron Green was named man of the match for his score of 77. Australia captain Pat Cummins was pleased that they mastered difficult conditions to fashion “an amazing win”.