GALLE, Sri Lanka — On the opening day of the first Test match in Galle, Australia’s batsmen showcased their prowess against the Sri Lankan bowling attack, capitalizing on opportunities and weather conditions to dominate play. The day’s action was significantly impacted by rain, yet the visitors concluded with a strong score of 330-2.
Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith both achieved remarkable milestones, with Smith reaching an impressive 10,000 Test runs—an achievement accomplished by only 15 players in the history of the sport and the fourth Australian to do so. Starting the day on 9,999 runs, Smith reached the landmark with a single off Prabath Jayasuriya. “I remember when Smith got out in Sydney, I was so ready to celebrate, and it was crushing,” Khawaja reflected. “I just hugged him and told him he is an absolute champion, and it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience to reach 10,000 runs.”
Sri Lanka had an early chance to dismiss Smith, but a missed return catch by Jayasuriya proved detrimental. The Australian captain capitalized on this error, finishing the day unbeaten on 104, featuring ten boundaries and a six, while forming a significant unbroken partnership of 195 runs with Khawaja for the third wicket.
Khawaja, who found his rhythm throughout the innings, ended the day not out on 147, hitting ten fours and one six. His solid performance stood in stark contrast to his recent struggles against India, where he only managed one half-century during the series. “If you look at my past innings, even against India in Delhi when I scored around 80, I was still very much attacking,” he explained. “I’m trying to find that balance in my game.”
With rain limiting play to just 81.1 overs, Australia has momentum heading into day two, eager to accumulate even more runs. They currently possess a strategic advantage, fielding three spinners on a pitch expected to diminish, putting Sri Lanka under substantial pressure. A victory in this match would enable Australia to retain the Warne-Murali Trophy.
“It was a frustrating day for us. I don’t think we executed our bowling well,” remarked Sri Lanka’s spin coach Piyal Wijetunge. “Australia took the game to us, as we anticipated, but we were just not good enough. Hopefully, we can improve tomorrow morning; two quick wickets could turn the tide, but we have a lot of work to catch up.”
Travis Head got the Australian innings off to an explosive start, scoring 57 runs in just 40 deliveries, hitting ten boundaries and one six. He aimed to assert dominance over Jayasuriya’s bowling but fell while attempting another big shot, ultimately ending a solid 92-run opening stand with Khawaja.
Leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay, making a comeback after two years, managed to take the wicket of Marnus Labuschagne, who was caught at slip. Following that dismissal, Smith and Khawaja asserted control, allowing Australia to dictate play. Sri Lanka’s bowlers appeared lackluster and undisciplined, with missed opportunities for successful reviews compounding their struggles. The home side previously failed to review an LBW decision for Head on 23 and missed an edge behind that could have removed Khawaja at 74.
With Australia holding a commanding edge, they are now optimally positioned to dominate the match further and possibly eliminate Sri Lanka from contention.
