Dominant centuries from Steve Smith and Alex Carey propelled Australia to a commanding position at stumps on day two of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. Australia reached 330-3, leading by 73 runs, with Smith and Carey forging an unbroken 259-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Sri Lanka's bowlers initially showed promise, but their spinners struggled to maintain effectiveness once the ball lost its bite. Smith, after a scratchy start, survived an lbw appeal on 24 following a successful review. From there, he never looked back, tightening his grip on the contest with elegant cover drives and precise pull shots.

Taking calculated risks, Smith dictated play as Sri Lanka, with a modest first-innings total, set defensive fields to contain runs rather than hunt for wickets. With Australia in a dominant position, they are well on course for a massive first-innings total.