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WATCH: Travis Head takes flying one-handed catch to dismiss Angelo Mathews

Australia remained focused on the field during the last session on Thursday night. Travis Head took stunning catch to dismiss Angelo Mathews as Nathan Lyon delivered a pivotal blow to Sri Lanka.

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Varun Sarwate
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TRAVIISSS

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Australia's two outstanding moments toward the end of Day 2 of their first Test match against Sri Lanka in Galle once again demonstrated why they are regarded as one of the top fielding teams. After hitting an incredible 654 for 6 in the first innings, the Aussies remained focused on the field during the last session on Thursday night. 

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With the dismissal of Sri Lankan opener Oshada Fernando in the second over, left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann established the tone early. Then Mitchell Starc joined in, dismissing Dimuth Karunaratne in the fifth over to hit the 700-wicket mark for his country. After a stunning catch by Travis Head, Angelo Mathews was dismissed on Nathan Lyon delivered which was a pivotal blow to Sri Lanka.

Watch the video here:

Head was at short leg in the tenth over when Nathan Lyon got one to spin quickly, and he responded instantly, prompting Mathews to take a defensive stroke off the front foot. Head hardly had time to respond as the ball managed to get the inside edge and go upward. His reactions were amazing as he threw himself into the air and dove full stretch to grab the ball with one hand.

Head boldly called for the catch, leaving Mathews stunned and Lyon in ecstasy. Without even looking at the replays, the on-field umpire made the call with a quick flick of his finger. After another demonstration of their fielding skills, the Australians burst into joy, closing off a fantastic day.

Australia enjoy a great day with the bat

At the end of the day's play, Sri Lanka was struggling at 44 for 3, still 610 runs behind Australia. Usman Khawaja became the first Australian batsman to reach a double hundred in Test cricket in the Island country earlier in the day when he turned his century into a double. 

With his fourth hundred, Steve Smith, the acting captain, surpassed Brian Lara and Sunil Gavaskar as the batsmen with the most hundreds in Test cricket. Josh Inglis became the 21st Australian batsman to reach a century on his Test debut with a hammering 90-ball century, which caused additional problems for Sri Lanka.

Australia Travis Head
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