Australia v Sri Lanka Test 2 Day 4: Hosts bullish on chances of pulling off miracle, avoiding series sweep

Sri Lanka are on the verge of a series whitewash on home soil – but after a dramatic fightback on day three, the hosts are bullish about their chances of pulling off a miracle.

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Sri Lankan spin star Prabath Jayasuriya has not given up hope of his side pulling off a stunning comeback victory in the second Test with the left-armer warning Australia that a chase of around 150 won’t be easy on a wearing Galle deck.

The Aussies on the verge of securing a 2-0 series victory after late wickets from Matt Kuhnemann, Nathan Lyon and Beau Webster left Sri Lanka 8-211 in its second innings at stumps on day three, leading by just 54.

However working in the home team’s favour is the fact Kusal Mendis – a recognised batter – is still unbeaten on 48.

Jayasuriya – who took five wickets in Australia’s first innings – was not ready to throw in the towel given the Aussies lost 7-64 on the morning of day three.

“I think (if) we can score around about 100 (more) runs, I think we are in the game, definitely, because they have to play in the fourth innings, it’s not easy to win (in) Galle,” Jayasuriya said.

Prabath Jayasuriya believes Sri Lanka are a fighting chance in the second Test. Picture: AFP

Lyon, who took his 550th Test wicket on Saturday, agreed that there was “in my eyes, still a long way to go in this game.”

The veteran off-spinner meanwhile lauded the bravery of left-arm tweaker Kuhnemann, who has 16 wickets for the series despite suffering a fracture and compound dislocation in his right thumb less than a fortnight before the start of the first Test.

“Kuhn has been exceptional, and he deserves all the praise that he actually gets, and I hope he gets a lot of it, because the way he’s broke his thumb three weeks ago, and to show the courage to come out here and bowl, and I know it’s hurting him,” Lyon said.

“He’s showing a lot of courage, and he’s bowling exceptionally well. One thing he is doing well, he’s bowling his best ball over and over and challenging the guy’s defence. And that’s, that’s all we can ask.”