Pacer Webster turns spinner as Aussies cap off memorable Test tour in Sri Lanka with emphatic win

Australia capped off a brilliant summer with a 2-0 clean sweep against Sri Lanka in their Test series, marking their first subcontinent whitewash in nearly 20 years. The victory was confirmed on Day 4 in Galle, when Australia chased down just 75 runs to win by nine wickets, with Marnus Labuschagne hitting the winning runs.

On Day 3, Australian pacer Beau Webster made an instant impact with the ball, marking his first significant contribution as an off-spinner. After Angelo Mathews and Kusal Mendis formed a resilient partnership to help Sri Lanka avoid an innings defeat, Webster dismissed Ramesh Mendis for a duck, triggering a collapse. Mendis, attempting to play a harmless delivery, failed to control it, and the short-leg fielder took a brilliant catch. Sri Lanka ended the day at 211/8, with Nishan Peiris also falling before stumps. Mathews and Mendis' efforts ensured Australia would bat again, but Sri Lanka's hopes of challenging Australia rested on stretching their lead to at least 100-120 runs.

Webster, who had not bowled in the first Test and had only bowled three overs of medium pace earlier in the first innings, opted to switch to off-spin. The change proved inspiring, resulting in a wicket. 

Australia had already taken control of the series with stand-in captain Steve Smith’s brilliant century across the second and third days. Matt Kuhnemann was another standout, claiming 16 wickets across the two Tests. The victory in the second Test marked Australia’s first Test series win in Sri Lanka since 2011 and completed their first subcontinent whitewash since 2006.