Thu Jan 30 05:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Khawaja Trolls Debutant Inglis Amidst Australia’s Dominant Day 1
**Galle, Sri Lanka** – Australian opener Usman Khawaja revealed he playfully ribbed debutant Josh Inglis during the first Test against Sri Lanka on Wednesday. Inglis, Australia’s 470th Test cricketer, received his cap in a heartwarming ceremony attended by his family, a moment Khawaja chose to punctuate with good-natured ribbing about Inglis’ English heritage.
Khawaja admitted to joking about Inglis’ ancestry, even suggesting that Yorkshire legend Geoffrey Boycott might be presenting the cap. The playful banter extended to Inglis’ emotional father, with Khawaja quipping, “Is that because he’s not playing for England?” Despite the lighthearted teasing, Khawaja emphasized his understanding of the emotional significance of the moment for Inglis and his family, drawing parallels to his own father’s pride in his Australian career.
Despite the jokes, Khawaja expressed his high regard for Inglis’ abilities as a player, predicting the conditions in Galle would suit his style of play.
Australia ended the day in a commanding position, reaching 330/2, with Khawaja on 147 not out and Steve Smith on 104. The strong finish overshadowed the lighthearted exchange, leaving a positive tone to begin the series.
First Piper 