Australia has enforced the follow-on after a dominant spin performance by Matthew Kuhnemann and Nathan Lyon dismantled Sri Lanka’s lower order on Day 4 of the Warne-Muralitharan Trophy series opener in Galle.

The hosts crumbled to 165 all out in 52.2 overs, losing five wickets for just nine runs in a dramatic collapse on Saturday morning. This left Australia with a massive 489-run first-innings lead. Kuhnemann starred with figures of 5-63 from 18.2 overs, marking his second Test five-wicket haul, while Lyon contributed with 3-57.

With such a commanding lead, Australian captain Steve Smith chose to enforce the follow-on, needing just ten more wickets to secure a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

Sri Lanka’s Batting Collapse

Resuming the innings at 5-136, Sri Lanka’s slim hopes of salvaging a draw rested on Dinesh Chandimal and Kusal Mendis, their last recognized batters. However, Kuhnemann broke their 49-run partnership when Mendis miscued a sweep shot to Todd Murphy at square leg, departing for 21.

Chandimal, who fought valiantly with a well-made 72, fell victim to Lyon, trapped LBW while attempting a reverse sweep. A desperate review could not overturn the decision.

The collapse continued as Prabath Jayasuriya was stumped for a duck after an ill-judged charge down the pitch against Kuhnemann. Nishan Peiris followed soon after, caught at short leg off Lyon’s bowling.

With six close-in fielders applying pressure, Kuhnemann secured his five-wicket haul when Jeffrey Vandersay attempted a wild shot, only to find Mitchell Starc at cover, who completed an easy catch.

Australia Eyes Historic Series Win

Australia has not won a Test series in Sri Lanka since 2011. With the follow-on enforced, they are now in prime position to rewrite history and take an early lead in the series.