Four bowlers struck for the home side but it was tough going on the opening day in Darwin

AAP and ESPNcricinfo staff20-Jul-2025

Zanden Jeh in action against Sri Lanka A•Cricket Australia

The heat was on Australia A’s bowlers to find early wickets on day two after a Nuwanidu Fernando century headlined a productive first day for Sri Lanka A in Darwin.After putting their visitors in to bat, the Australians had their work cut out containing Nuwanidu, who backed up an unbeaten century in the opening four-day match with another ton.Victorian quick Mitch Perry finally made the breakthrough after Fernando mistimed his cover drive and edged to Jason Sangha at second slip late on the day.Earlier, opener Kamil Mishara got the tourists off to a strong start at 134 for 1 but failed to contain Henry Thornton’s bouncer, falling to the ground as he skied to Kurtis Patterson at gully when he couldn’t get his bat out of the way.Liam Scott bowled fellow opener Lahiru Udara, with left-arm spinner Zanden Jeh, who made his first-class debut in the opening match of the series, removing Pasindu Sooriyabandara for 8 off 63 balls.New South Wales legspinner Tanveer Sangha was brought in for this match having replaced the injured Jack Nisbet in the squad. He went wicketless through 19 overs.