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Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith’s Centuries Put Australia in Command Against Sri Lanka
Australia Dominates Day 1 as Khawaja and Smith Shine
Australia made a strong start in the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, finishing Day 1 at an imposing 330/2. The highlight of the day was brilliant centuries from Usman Khawaja (147*) and Steve Smith (104*), which left Sri Lanka struggling to find answers. Earlier in the day, Travis Head set the tone with a blistering 35-ball fifty, ensuring Australia gained the early advantage.
A Fast-Paced Start by Travis Head
The day began with Travis Head taking the attack to Sri Lanka’s bowlers, particularly targeting Asitha Fernando. Head smashed three boundaries in Fernando’s opening over and continued his aggressive intent, adding three more in his third over. He was given a lifeline when Sri Lanka failed to review an LBW appeal, which would have dismissed him on 23. Ball-tracking later showed that the decision would have been overturned. Head eventually fell after a 40-ball 57, holing out to long-on, giving Sri Lanka their first breakthrough.
Khawaja and Smith Build a Solid Partnership
After Head’s departure, Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne looked to steady the innings. However, Labuschagne’s stay was short-lived as he edged one to Dhananjaya de Silva off Jeffrey Vandersay’s bowling just before Lunch. Meanwhile, Khawaja, who had already reached his fifty, survived multiple chances, including a dropped catch at slip.
At the other end, Smith was also given a lifeline when Prabath Jayasuriya failed to hold onto a caught-and-bowled opportunity soon after Smith crossed 10,000 Test runs. Post-Lunch, the two batters accelerated, punishing the loose deliveries and ensuring Sri Lanka remained on the backfoot.
Missed Opportunities Cost Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s fielding lapses proved costly throughout the day. One of the biggest missed chances came when the hosts decided against reviewing a faint edge from Khawaja on 74, which would have been given out. Smith, meanwhile, switched gears, capitalizing on wayward bowling from Jeffrey Vandersay and Prabath Jayasuriya, scoring freely through mid-wicket and extra cover. He reached his 50 with a single before bringing up his 35th Test century with a punch through cover for three runs.
Khawaja played a patient innings, mixing aggression with solid defense. His trademark reverse sweep and drives through cover helped him move into the nineties. He survived yet another chance when an edge flew over the wicketkeeper’s head before reaching his century with a flick to fine leg.
Rain Brings an Early End to Day 1
After a long grind for Sri Lanka’s bowlers, the hosts finally took the new ball, hoping for a late breakthrough. However, rain intervened just an over later, forcing the umpires to call for Stumps with Australia in a commanding position.
Brief Scores:
Australia 330/2 (Usman Khawaja 147, Steve Smith 104, Travis Head 57; Jeffrey Vandersay 1-93, Prabath Jayasuriya 1-102) vs Sri Lanka**
Australia has a rich history of Test victories in Galle, showcasing their dominance on spin-friendly pitches. 📌 Related Read: Australia’s Recent Test Performances. For live scores, detailed match analysis, and the latest updates, visit 📌 ESPN Cricinfo.
