SL vs AUS 2nd Test Results

7:16 AM IST The trophy is lifted by the Aussies and congratulations to Australia, for retaining the Warne-Muralidaran Trophy. This is the 7th edition of that trophy with Australia winning it for the 5th time, losing it only once in 2016, with the one in 2022 being shared. They end their Test cycle perfectly, eager to take their next battle on against South Africa in the World Test Championship final in June. But in terms of immediate future, the teams shift focus to the ODI series, added as a last-minute request, with a view to prepare for the Champions Trophy. It will be a 2-match series, both day games and it is a real surprise, given that white-ball games these days are usually played under the lights. Both matches will be at the R.Premadasa Stadium, in Colombo, with the first ODI to be played on Wednesday, 12th February, 2025. Expect a stiffer challenge from the Lankans in that format against a depleted Aussie side, resting a few players. That's all from here but you can browse other matchcentres to catch all the action from the one-off Test between Zimabwe and Ireland, and the 2nd ODI between India and England. ADIOS! TAKE CARE!

7:13 AM IST Sri Lanka's captain, Dhananjaya de Silva comes up for a chat now. Is obviously disappointed to lose a series, that too at home and admits that his team did not capitalize on opportunities. He accepts that losing the home series 2-0 is very disappointing. Mentions that the conditions were favourable for them as a home side and is disappointed to still finish on the losing side. Says they had opportunities here and there but the Aussies showed why they are in the finale of the WTC. Feels that the Lankans got the best conditions to bat in this game but put only 260 (257 to be precise) on the board, honestly saying that it was not enough to win a Test match. Admits that the second session on Day 1 was the changing moment of the game where they lost four wickets. On being asked as the reason for the success of the Aussie spinners, Dhananjaya feels that the Aussie bowlers were a lot more consistent in landing the ball in the right areas as compared to those of Sri Lanka.

7:12 AM IST Australia's ALEX CAREY HAS BEEN ADJUDGED THE PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his wonderful 156 with the bat, to go with 3 catches and a stumping. Congratulates Dimuth Karunaratne first up for a wonderful career and wishes him a great future. On his own knock, puts it down to the platform laid down by the top order and then praises Steven Smith for showing his class again. Cheekily admits that he got lucky to bat at number 5, due to the injury to Inglis. Details that he was only looking to manipulate the field with his sweeps and reverse sweeps and informs that the ball misbehaved only when it was pitched on a good length. Praises Australia's bowlers for creating chances and details that in the subcontinent, as a keeper, one does expect plenty of chances to come his or her way.

7:09 AM IST MITCHELL STARC of Australia is up for a chat. He says that playing away from home is one of the great challenges. Is pleased to get the job done this time around in Sri Lanka. Says that they have had a fair bit of success in the past three to four years and also highlights that they have got a good balanced squad. Appreciates his teammates for playing good cricket and also highlights that they have found ways to win the matches. Appreciates the spinners and says they have been just brilliant on this turning track. Says there's a lot to look forward to and is excited to bowl with the new Dukes ball in English conditions in the WTC Finale. Is eager to play against South Africa, having not played against them for a while.

7:06 AM IST Spare a thought for Dimuth Karunaratne. It is his final Test. He would have loved to end his career with a win but unfortunately, it could not happen for him. However, in terms of personal highs, he ends as Sri Lanka's fourth highest run getter, with 7222 runs at an average of 39.25, with 16 centuries. As a captain, he averaged 49.86 with the bat and his greatest point in his thrilling career as a skipper has to be the 2-0 series win in South Africa, in 2019. Additionally, since January 2015, Karunaratne scored 6276 runs in Tests as an opener, the most by any batter, at an average of 40.75. Wow, to stay on top for a decade - amazing. Take a bow, Dimuth. A sad way to finish your career but wish you all the very best in the next phase of your life.

7:00 AM IST Now, time for a chat with STEVEN SMITH. Says that Australia played really well from the onset. Adds that the preparations were good before the series and everyone stood up to their capabilities and did as much as they could. Mentions that Mitchell Starc bowled really well, setting the tempo with the new ball and credits the spinners, Lyon and Kuhnemann, for executing their plans very well and using the conditions very well. Adds that they had a training camp in Dubai before the series predominantly for the batters to adapt to spinning conditions here and everyone had their individual plans, which they executed well. Mentions that they have such a good group and he loves to captain and is happy with the win. And he forgets that Sri Lanka collapsed in the second session on Day 1 here! Has that been so long? Ahhh... we can understand. Everyone wants to enjoy the moments after a win and wrap things up quickly. Roshan Abeysinghe quickly shifts the question to the partnership of Smith with Carey and the skipper agrees that it was an important one where Carey played really well and helped their team to put pressure back on Sri Lanka. Hopes to replicate these kind of performances in the future.