In a high-profile trial that has garnered significant attention, Sri Lankan cricketer Dhanushka Gunathilaka was photographed with a woman identified as his girlfriend during a court hearing in Australia. Gunathilaka is currently facing a judge-alone trial at the Downing Centre District Court after pleading not guilty to one charge of sexual assault without consent.

The international cricket player arrived at the court complex hand in hand with a blonde woman, who is not the complainant, ahead of the anticipated four-day trial presided over by Judge Sarah Huggett.

The charges stem from an incident on November 2 of the previous year when the 32-year-old cricketer was in Australia to participate in the T20 World Cup. Crown Prosecutor Gabrielle Steedman presented the case, stating that Gunathilaka had met a woman at Sydney's Opera Bar after matching on the dating app Tinder.

During the trial, the alleged victim recounted her experience, expressing her fear for her safety. She described how Gunathilaka had been forceful in his advances, despite her objections. She recalled asking him to slow down, as she was uncomfortable with the rapid progression of their encounter. Gunathilaka's response, according to her testimony, was silence.

The proceedings moved to the woman's bedroom, where she requested the use of a condom. Gunathilaka allegedly expressed his reluctance, claiming he did not like using condoms. The woman explained her concerns about pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, to which Gunathilaka responded, "don't worry, I won't get you pregnant, don't you trust me?"

Despite initial hesitation, Gunathilaka eventually complied with the request to use a condom. The woman described the subsequent sexual encounter as "quite rough" and lasting approximately 15 minutes.