Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith lead Australia to 330-2 in Sri Lanka Test
GALLE: Australia finished day one of the opening Test in Galle at a commanding 330-2, with both Steve Smith and Usman Khawaja bringing up centuries to thwart Sri Lanka’s bowlers. Smith, who had started the day on 9,999 runs, became the 15th batsman to cross 10,000 Test runs with a single off Prabath Jayasuriya and finished unbeaten on 104. This century marked his third in four matches.
Khawaja, on 147, also put on an impressive performance alongside Smith, as the pair added an unbroken 195-run stand after Australia had elected to bat first in the two-match series. The hosts struggled as both batters weathered the attack throughout the afternoon sessions, with Sri Lanka unable to take a wicket after the morning’s play.
Smith’s century came after surviving a sharp return catch, which Jayasuriya failed to catch early in his innings. The Australia captain now joins Allan Border, Steve Waugh, and Ricky Ponting as one of only four Australians to surpass 10,000 Test runs.
Usman Khawaja, who also took full advantage of his luck, reached his 16th Test century with a flick off Asitha Fernando to the boundary. His 147 not out was his first ton in Sri Lanka after a 17-match century drought dating back to June 2023.
Travis Head earlier added a quick-fire 57 off 40 balls, featuring 10 fours and a six, giving Australia a brisk start. Head was dismissed, caught in the deep off Jayasuriya, while Marnus Labuschagne was dismissed for 20 by Jeffrey Vandersay’s left-arm spin.
With three spinners in the Australian side, they hold the upper hand as the pitch is expected to deteriorate through the course of the match, giving Australia further confidence. The day’s play concluded with rain, but Australia looks to build on their solid foundation for the remaining days of the series.
