Wed Jan 29 11:59:03 UTC 2025: ## Smith Slams Century, Propels Australia to Dominant Day One Against Sri Lanka
**Galle, Sri Lanka:** Veteran Australian batsman Steve Smith smashed a magnificent century on the first day of the first Test against Sri Lanka on Wednesday, reaching the milestone in style. Smith’s 35th Test century, achieved off 179 balls with a three-run scamper, propelled Australia to a commanding 330/2 at stumps.
The innings saw Smith surpass six legendary batsmen, including Sunil Gavaskar, moving him into seventh place on the all-time list of Test century-makers. He now sits above Gavaskar, Younis Khan, Brian Lara, and Mahela Jayawardene, all of whom scored 34 Test centuries. Smith is the second-highest Australian Test century-maker behind Ricky Ponting (41), and trails only Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 51.
Smith’s achievement also holds significance in the context of captaincy. Standing in for the injured Pat Cummins, Smith became only the fourth player to score the most Test centuries as captain.
Adding to his impressive performance, Smith reached the 10,000-run milestone in Test cricket early in his innings. He shared a crucial 195-run partnership with Usman Khawaja (147*), who also contributed a significant score, taking Australia to a strong position at the end of day one. Khawaja and Smith put on a commanding display, building on an earlier 97-run opening stand between Khawaja and Travis Head (57).
The Australian team displayed dominance throughout the day, setting the stage for a potentially decisive match.
First Piper 