AUS VS SL: Australia’s Stunning Day One Performance

AUS VS SL: Australia is firmly in control with a score of 330/2 at the end of Day 1 at Galle International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.

Australia and Sri Lanka began their two-match Test series at Galle International Stadium on Wednesday, with Australia winning the toss and choosing to bat first. 

Australia made a strong start, with Travis Head thriving in his new role as an opener, as selectors believe his ability to handle spin makes him a better fit for the top order at Galle. Head’s rapid 57 for the first wicket, followed by a steady partnership of 92, put Sri Lanka on the back foot and placed considerable pressure on their bowling attack.

Sri Lanka focused their efforts on dismissing Travis Head, while on the other end, Usman Khawaja played his own game, reminiscent of his brilliant 141 in the opening match of the 2023 Ashes.

Sri Lanka’s persistence paid off when Prabath Jayasuriya removed Travis Head for 57 runs. Marnus Labuschagne joined Khawaja at the crease but couldn’t make his stay last, falling for 20 runs to Jeffrey Vandersay. After Labuschagne dismissal, Captain Steve Smith joined Usman Khawaja, who has stuck like a glue at one end. 

Khawaja played an elegant knock of 147* to remain unbeaten till the end, alongside he has got his captain for company, who also struck a brilliant century and reached a remarkable milestone in Test cricket.

AUS VS SL: Smith Masterclass

On the first day of Australia’s Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, Steve Smith became the fourth Australian and 15th player in history to surpass 10,000 runs in Red ball cricket. Smith was just a single run away from this historic milestone, having started his innings on 9,999 runs.

Steve Smith has now become a member of an elite group of players, including legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, Jacques Kallis, Rahul Dravid, Joe Root, and some others, who have achieved this remarkable feat in Test cricket.

Sachin Tendulkar holds the record for the most runs in Test Cricket, with a total of 15,921. Among current players, only Joe Root was part of this exclusive club, with 12,972 runs. However, Steve Smith has now joined him in this elite group.

Australia took control on the opening day of the series, ending at 330/2 with Usman Khawaja (147) and Steve Smith (104) both hitting centuries. Sri Lanka managed to pick up two wickets, dismissing Travis Head for 57 and Marnus Labuschagne for 20.

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