Khawaja Matches Bradman's Feat with Test Double Ton at 38
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Synopsis
Usman Khawaja has made history, becoming only the second Australian over 38 to score a Test double-century, matching the legendary Donald Bradman. This remarkable achievement took place during the first Test against Sri Lanka, where Khawaja also set records for Australian scores in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Usman Khawaja becomes only the second Australian over 38 to score a Test double-century.
- Khawaja's score is the highest by an Australian in Sri Lanka.
- First Australian to score a double-ton in Asia since 2006.
- 266-run partnership with Steve Smith is the highest for Australia in Sri Lanka.
- Australia's current score is 482/3 with Khawaja unbeaten on 208.
Galle, Jan 30 (NationPress) Usman Khawaja has joined the ranks of the legendary Donald Bradman by becoming just the second Australian over the age of 38 to achieve a Test double-century. The Australian opener Khawaja recorded his first double hundred in Test cricket on day two of the inaugural Test against Sri Lanka this Thursday.
Additionally, Khawaja has made history as the only Australian male cricketer to score a double century in Sri Lanka. He surpassed Justin Langer’s score of 166 in Colombo in 2004, now holding the record for the highest score by an Australian in the country.
Furthermore, he is the first Australian to achieve a double-ton in Asia since Jason Gillespie’s notable 201 not out against Bangladesh in 2006. Other cricketers who have scored double centuries in Tests include Matthew Hayden (201 not out vs India in Chennai), Dean Jones (210 vs India in the 1986 Madras tied Test), Greg Chappell (235 vs Pakistan in Faisalabad in 1980), and Mark Taylor (334 not out against Pakistan in Peshawar in 1998).
As it stands, Australia is batting at 482/3, with Khawaja (208*) and debutant Josh Inglis (47*) remaining unbeaten in the middle.
Australia resumed play at 330/2, beginning 15 minutes early after rain interrupted day one. Khawaja and captain Steve Smith continued their partnership, amassing a remarkable 266-run stand for the third wicket, which is now Australia’s highest Test partnership in Sri Lanka.
The visitors exceeded the 400-run mark following an overthrow from a missed run-out opportunity at the non-striker's end, which could have dismissed Khawaja at 177. Leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay ended the long-lasting partnership in the 100th over after Sri Lanka successfully challenged an LBW appeal against Smith, who was trapped on the pads for 141.
