Angelo Mathews' Costly 'Brain Fade' Shifts Momentum to Australia
What a dramatic turn of events in the second Test between Sri Lanka and Australia! Day three in Galle had everything—brilliant individual performances, moments of resistance, and a sudden lapse in judgment that proved costly for Sri Lanka.
Angelo Mathews, a veteran campaigner with years of experience, was leading Sri Lanka’s fightback. With the team under pressure and wickets tumbling, Mathews had done the hard work, grinding his way to 76. He looked set for a crucial century that could have given Sri Lanka a much-needed advantage. But then, in a shocking moment of miscalculation—what commentators called a "brain fade"—he played an unnecessary big shot straight into the deep, gifting his wicket to Australia. Beau Webster took a sharp catch, and Nathan Lyon, the bowler, couldn’t have asked for an easier breakthrough.
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It was a frustrating dismissal, not just for Mathews but for the entire Sri Lankan camp. The conditions in Galle are known to be mentally and physically draining, and perhaps the relentless heat got the better of him. Whatever the reason, that moment shifted the game dramatically in Australia's favor.
Before Mathews' dismissal, Sri Lanka had built some resistance. The partnership between him and Kusal Mendis was giving the hosts a glimmer of hope. With a small lead of 54 runs and just two wickets remaining, Sri Lanka now faces an uphill battle. Australia’s spinners, led by Lyon and Kuhnemann, have been relentless, exploiting every bit of turn and bounce on this tricky Galle pitch.
Steve Smith’s captaincy has been spot on. His decision to introduce Kuhnemann in the final over of the day paid off instantly, with Jayasuriya falling to a sharp slip catch. Australia now needs just two wickets to wrap up Sri Lanka's innings and set up what looks like a straightforward chase.
For Sri Lanka, it’s a missed opportunity. Mathews had the chance to take the game deeper, but one mistimed shot changed everything. As day four approaches, Australia is in complete control, while Sri Lanka will be left wondering what could have been.
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