Usman Khawaja’s career-best double century and Josh Inglis’ maiden Test hundred propelled Australia to a dominant position in the opening Test against Sri Lanka. Declaring at a record 654-6, the visitors left Sri Lanka struggling at 44-3 by stumps on day two in Galle, trailing by a massive 610 runs.
Opting to bat first on a batting-friendly surface, Australia made full use of the conditions, with Khawaja leading from the front. His phenomenal 232-run innings, spanning 352 balls and decorated with 16 fours and a six, etched his name in history as the first Australian to score a double century on Sri Lankan soil. Khawaja and Steve Smith (141) stitched together a 266-run stand for the third wicket, laying a solid foundation. Resuming the day at 330-2, the duo continued to frustrate the Sri Lankan bowlers with their disciplined approach. Khawaja reached his double hundred with a single off Prabath Jayasuriya, celebrating the milestone by raising his bat, removing his helmet, and bowing to the ground in an emotional moment, as teammates and fans applauded.
Stand-in skipper Steve Smith, leading in Pat Cummins’ absence, played a crucial role with his 141-run knock, which also saw him surpass the 10,000-run milestone in Test cricket, making him only the fourth Australian to achieve the feat. Following Smith’s departure, debutant Josh Inglis seized his opportunity, smashing a fluent 102 off just 90 balls. His 146-run partnership with Khawaja further strengthened Australia’s control before Jayasuriya dismissed Khawaja, caught behind. Inglis, too, fell soon after, chipping a catch to short cover. In the final session, Alex Carey (46*) and Mitchell Starc (19*) added quick runs before Australia declared. Prabath Jayasuriya (3-193) and Jeffrey Vandersay (3-182) toiled for 154 overs, but the hosts’ bowlers struggled to contain Australia’s aggressive batting display.
Chasing a daunting total, Sri Lanka’s top order faltered early. Left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann struck in his first over, trapping Oshada Fernando lbw for seven. Soon after, Mitchell Starc dismissed captain Dimuth Karunaratne, caught at gully for the same score. Australia’s spinners continued to dominate, with veteran Nathan Lyon removing Angelo Mathews (8) after a sharp diving catch by Travis Head at short leg. Sri Lanka found themselves in deep trouble at 36-3, before bad light and rain brought an early end to the day’s play.
By stumps, Dinesh Chandimal (9) and Kamindu Mendis (13)** were at the crease, facing the immense challenge of stabilizing Sri Lanka’s innings against Australia’s potent bowling attack. Reflecting on the situation, Jeffrey Vandersay acknowledged the tough task ahead:
“Australia has posted a massive total. Our focus should be on batting for as long as possible, building partnerships, and taking it session by session.”
Scores in Brief
Sri Lanka 44-3 (Kamindu 13, Chandimal 9, Lyon 1-7) trail Australia 654-6d (Khawaja 232, Smith 141, Inglis 102, Head 57, Vandersay 3-182, Jayasuriya 3-193) by 610 runs.
