Khawaja and Smith Lead Australia’s Strong Start in Galle

Usman Khawaja (147*) and Steve Smith (104*) powered Australia to a commanding position at 330/2 at stumps on Day 1 of the first Test in Galle. Their centuries were set up by a blistering start from Travis Head, who raced to a 35-ball fifty in the opening hour. Sri Lanka had multiple chances to dismiss Khawaja but failed to capitalize, making their task even tougher.

After two punishing sessions for the Sri Lankans, their spinners resorted to a leg-stump line in an attempt to contain the batters. However, Smith expertly padded deliveries away while Khawaja remained composed. The Australians adopted a cautious approach, going 100 deliveries without a boundary until the 75th over. Smith eventually reached his 35th Test century with a well-placed three, just before rain interrupted play after the new ball was taken.

The major damage was done in the first two sessions. Head got Australia off to a flying start, smashing three boundaries off Asitha Fernando in the opening over. Despite an LBW scare on 23, which Sri Lanka failed to review, he continued attacking before falling to a mistimed shot at long-on after a quickfire 57 off 40 balls.

Khawaja steadily accumulated runs, bringing up his fifty but surviving a slip chance soon after. Marnus Labuschagne fell before lunch to Dhananjaya de Silva off Vandersay, offering Sri Lanka a brief moment of joy. However, their frustrations continued when Jayasuriya dropped Smith off his own bowling an over later.

After lunch, Australia maintained their dominance. Smith charged down the track to dispatch Jayasuriya for six, while Sri Lanka missed another opportunity to review when Khawaja edged behind on 74. Smith punished Vandersay’s inconsistent lines with three boundaries before elegantly flicking Jayasuriya through mid-wicket. Khawaja, growing in confidence, executed reverse sweeps and cover drives, inching toward his century.

The Sri Lankan fielders continued to falter, missing yet another chance as an edge from Khawaja flew over the wicketkeeper. Smith reached his half-century before Khawaja flicked a delivery to fine leg to bring up his well-deserved hundred.

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.