SL vs AUS 1st Test: Kuhnemann, Lyon Combine to Seal Biggest Test Win For Australia in Asia

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Spinners Matthew Kuhnemann and Nathan Lyon combined to seal the biggest Test win for Australia in Asia following the innings and 242 runs victory over Sri Lanka in the series opener on Saturday (February 1) at the Galle International Stadium in Galle.

Both Kuhnemann and Lyon claimed four wickets each as Sri Lanka folded for 247 in their second innings after being asked to follow on when they were bowled out for 165 in the first innings in response to Australia's 654/6 declared.

It was a disastrous morning for Sri Lanka as the home side lost eight wickets in a session - five in the first innings and three more after being asked to bat again on a spin friendly Galle wicket.

Left-arm spinner Kuhnemann, who claimed a fifer, his second in Test cricket, in the first innings, continued to torment the home side bowling alongside senior partner Lyon.

Lyon, who finished with three wickets in the first innings, created more opportunities with his off-spin, while Sri Lankan batters couldn't handle Kuhnemann's left-arm spin, attempting to take him on.

Jeffrey Vandersay top-scored for the hosts with 53, while Dinesh Chandimal (31), Angelo Mathews (41), Kusal Mendis (32), Dhananjay de Silva (39) and Kamindu Mendis (34) all got starts, but could not spend more time in the middle on the fourth day, resulting in Sri Lanka's biggest margin defeats.

The win overtakes Australia's defeat of Pakistan in Sharjah, UAE in 2002 - by an innings and 198 runs - as their biggest in Asia. This is also Australia's fourth biggest innings victory overall in Tests. Here is a look at the top five after SL vs AUS 1st Test:

Biggest innings wins for Australia in Tests (courtesy: CricBuzz)

• vs South Africa - by an innings and 360 runs in Johannesburg, 2002
• vs England - by an innings and 332 runs in Brisbane, 1946
• vs South Africa - by an innings and 259 runs in Gqeberha, 1950
• vs Sri Lanka - by an innings and 242 runs in Galle, 2025
• vs India - by an innings and 226 runs in Brisbane, 1947

Biggest innings victories for Australia in Asia

• vs Sri Lanka - by an innings and 242 runs in Galle, 2025
• vs Pakistan - by an innings and 198 runs in Sharjah, 2002
• vs India - by an innings and 127 runs in Delhi, 1959
• vs Pakistan - by an innings and 99 runs in Rawalpindi, 1998
• vs Bangladesh - by an innings and 80 runs in Chattogram, 2006

It has been a disappointing performance from Sri Lanka on their home soil right from the offset, first allowing Australia to rack up a commanding first innings total of 654 for six declared, and then following with a poor display with the bat.

Earlier, Usman Khawaja's double century, Josh Inglis' debut hundred, and Steve Smith's second test century in Galle propelled the visitors into a position of absolute command before day three was interrupted by rain, but for Sri Lanka's misfortune even the weather gods stayed away.