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Snapshot of day one of Galle Test

Scott BaileyAAP
Legspinner Mitchell Swepson justified his selection by Australia for the first Test in Sri Lanka
Camera IconLegspinner Mitchell Swepson justified his selection by Australia for the first Test in Sri Lanka Credit: AP

SRI LANKA V AUSTRALIA, FIRST TEST, DAY ONE:

Score: Sri Lanka (212) lead Australia (3-98) by 114 runs.

SUMMARY: Sri Lanka won a crucial toss but squandered the chance to put on a big score with the pitch at its best for batting. Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc each took a wicket in the first session, before Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Swepson took command after lunch. Niroshan Dickwella hit a counter-punching 58, but Lyon's 5-90 ensured Sri Lanka only reached 212. David Warner exploded out of the blocks, but he, Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith all fell before stumps to leave Australia 3-98.

MAN OF THE MOMENT: Mitchell Swepson. While Nathan Lyon bagged five wickets, Swepson's three vindicated Australia's decision to pick him again as their second spinner after a tough debut tour in Pakistan. The leggie bowled with great flight and produced good turn as he took two wickets in two balls midway through the second session. His timing was crucial too, given Ashton Agar could be fit for the second Test next week.

KEY MOMENT: Steve Smith's late run out. Australia would have felt in command if they went to stumps two-down. But Smith's fury following his mix up with Khawaja summed up a chaotic final hour that left the game back in the balance.

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STAT OF THE DAY: Nathan Lyon's 20th five-wicket haul put him in rare air, with only Clarrie Grimmett, Dennis Lillee, Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne taking as many for Australia

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