Australia's Khawaja and Smith Shine with Centuries, Ending Day 1 at 330/2

Synopsis

On January 29, Australia put forth a stellar performance on the first day of the Test match against Sri Lanka at Galle. Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith each scored unbeaten centuries, leading Australia to a total of 330/2 by the end of the day.

Key Takeaways

Usman Khawaja scored 147 not out.
Steve Smith made 104 not out.
Australia reached 330/2 at Stumps.
Travis Head contributed with a brisk 57 runs.
Smith surpassed 10,000 Test runs.

Galle, Jan 29 (NationPress) Australia exhibited a commanding performance on Day 1 of the inaugural Test against Sri Lanka at the Galle Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, as opener Usman Khawaja and acting captain Steve Smith each scored unbeaten centuries, propelling the visitors to 330/2 at the close of play.

Khawaja (147 not out) and Smith (104 not out) formed a robust 195-run partnership, securing a strong start for Australia in the series.

After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Travis Head (57) continued where he left off in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, providing a thrilling start for the visitors that featured three boundaries in the opening over bowled by Asitha Fernando. The left-handed batsman did not relent, targeting Fernando further with two boundaries in the fifth over, while Khawaja also joined in, scoring his first boundary of the match in the same over.

Head maintained his aggressive approach, achieving a strike rate of 142.5 before being dismissed cheaply by Prabath Jayasuriya in the 14th over. Attempting to clear the boundary off the left-arm spinner, he was caught at long-on.

Marnus Labuschagne (20) walked in following Head's departure but found it challenging to settle in, scoring at a strike rate of 40 before Jeffrey Vandersay's full delivery led to a catch at first slip just before lunch.

Smith became only the 15th player to eclipse 10,000 Test runs with his very first ball, joining an elite group of Australian legends such as Allan Border, Steve Waugh, and Ricky Ponting.

Sri Lanka must have been relieved to see Labuschagne dismissed and reduce the visitors to 145/2 at lunch, but the subsequent two sessions were dominated by Australia.

The Sri Lankan side missed a crucial opportunity to dismiss Khawaja well before his century when captain Dhananjaya de Silva chose not to review a delivery from Jayasuriya while the opener was on 76. Replays later confirmed that Khawaja had edged the ball, giving him a second chance.

Both batsmen ultimately reached the century mark, and shortly after Smith completed his 35th Test century, rain began to fall, leading to an early conclusion of the day's play.

Brief Score:

Australia 330/2 in 81.1 overs (Usman Khawaja 147 not out, Smith 104 not out; Jeffrey Vandersay 1-93) against Sri Lanka