Thu Jan 30 04:50:00 UTC 2025: **Australia Dominate Day 1 in Galle, Centuries from Smith and Khawaja**
Galle, Sri Lanka – Australia ended the first day of the first Test against Sri Lanka in a commanding position, reaching 330 for 2 after a stunning display of batting. Steve Smith and Usman Khawaja both scored unbeaten centuries, laying the foundation for a potentially dominant Australian victory.
Winning the toss, Australia capitalized on favorable conditions. Travis Head provided a fiery start, scoring a quick 57 off 40 balls in an opening stand of 92 with Khawaja. While Marnus Labuschagne missed out, Smith and Khawaja took over, accumulating runs with remarkable composure. Khawaja’s elegant reverse sweeps were a highlight, while Smith displayed complete control at the crease.
Smith reached his 35th Test century, his first since 2017, scoring a clinical 104. Khawaja followed suit, bringing up his 16th Test hundred in typically stylish fashion, finishing the day on 147. The pair added a crucial 150-run partnership, ensuring Australia’s dominance.
Despite some economical bowling spells from Sri Lanka’s Prabath Jayasuriya, who was the most accurate bowler, the Australian batsmen proved too strong. Play was eventually halted by rain, with 98 overs scheduled for day two, starting 15 minutes early.
First Piper 