Usman Khawaja's career-defining innings, a monumental double century, set the stage for Australia’s utter domination on Day 2 of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. Khawaja, playing with remarkable composure and technique, reached his maiden Test double hundred in what turned out to be a grueling and exhausting outing for the Sri Lankan bowlers. Supported by Steve Smith’s elegant century and a dream debut ton from wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis, Australia surged to their highest-ever total in Asia, piling up an imposing 654/6 before declaring. The mammoth total not only showcased the depth of Australia’s batting but also left Sri Lanka in a deep crisis as they ended the day at a precarious 44/3, still trailing by a staggering 610 runs.
The Australian innings were a testament to their batting prowess and patience, as they frustrated the Sri Lankan bowlers for more than five sessions. Khawaja, who has been in exceptional form in recent years, played a chanceless knock of 232 off 352 deliveries. His innings, which lasted nearly seven and a half hours, was built on sheer resilience and an excellent understanding of the conditions. He dispatched anything loose to the boundary, striking 16 fours and a solitary six, yet remained disciplined enough to avoid risky strokes. His innings was the backbone of Australia's batting effort, ensuring that they maintained an iron grip over the Test.
Steve Smith, who has been a pillar of consistency for Australia over the years, was at his usual best, crafting a sublime 141 that provided the ideal support to Khawaja. Smith’s ability to rotate the strike, coupled with his trademark backfoot play, made it tough for the Sri Lankan bowlers to build any sustained pressure. The duo stitched together a commanding 224-run stand for the third wicket, effectively neutralizing Sri Lanka’s spin threat.
After Smith’s departure, debutant Josh Inglis grabbed the opportunity with both hands, notching up a composed 102. The wicketkeeper-batter looked confident and unperturbed despite the spinning conditions, mixing aggression with caution in an assured innings. His century ensured that Australia’s dominance continued deep into the innings, frustrating Sri Lanka even further.
The tail also contributed handsomely, with Alex Carey remaining unbeaten on 46, while all-rounders Beau Webster (23) and Mitchell Starc (19*) provided late flourishes before Pat Cummins finally decided to declare. Sri Lanka’s bowlers, having toiled for 154 overs in sapping conditions, were visibly exhausted, struggling to find any breakthrough that could halt Australia’s charge.
If their troubles with the ball weren’t enough, Sri Lanka’s nightmare continued when they came out to bat late in the day. The physical and mental toll of two days in the field was evident as they collapsed under the pressure of Australia’s disciplined attack.
The first breakthrough came courtesy of Matthew Kuhnemann, who dismissed Oshada Fernando for just 7. The left-arm spinner bowled a beauty that drifted in before turning away sharply, trapping the batter plumb in front. Sri Lanka’s troubles deepened when their captain, Dimuth Karunaratne, edged a rising delivery from Mitchell Starc, resulting in a spectacular diving catch at gully.
Nathan Lyon then made matters worse for the hosts by sending veteran Angelo Mathews back to the pavilion for just 7 runs. Mathews, looking to defend, could only manage an inside edge onto his pad, and the ball looped up towards the waiting hands of the bat-pad fielder. With three of Sri Lanka’s most experienced batters dismissed cheaply, the hosts found themselves in dire straits at 44/3 by stumps.
Dinesh Chandimal and Kamindu Mendis managed to survive the final few overs of the day, but their task ahead remains monumental. With Australia’s spinners finding turn and bounce on an increasingly deteriorating pitch, Sri Lanka faces an uphill battle to even avoid the follow-on, let alone save the Test. With three full days remaining and a deficit of over 600 runs, only a miracle can prevent Australia from securing a massive victory.
