Australia's cricket team showcased formidable prowess on their tour of Sri Lanka, declaring their first innings at 654-6 during the first Test match at Galle on January 30, 2025. The highlight of the day was Usman Khawaja's remarkable double century, alongside impressive contributions from debutant Josh Inglis, who also scored over one hundred runs. This performance not only established Australia’s dominance early on but also marked significant milestones for the players involved.
Khawaja's innings were nothing short of spectacular as he amassed 266 runs, making him the first Australian batsman to achieve such a feat on Sri Lankan soil. His partnership of 266 runs with Steve Smith, who contributed 141 runs, proved to be the bedrock of the innings. This landmark achievement for Smith also elevated him to the prestigious milestone of 10,000 Test runs.
Stunningly, this innings was particularly significant for Australia, as it was their first time breaching the 600-run mark on Sri Lankan turf, surpassing their previous best of 617 runs achieved during the 1980 match against Pakistan. Such milestones reflect the depths of talent within the Australian squad, which has consistently delivered powerful performances, especially on foreign soil.
After resuming play, Australia was quick to add runs, leading to their declaration later when wicketkeeper-batsman Alex Carey remained unbeaten on 46 runs. Despite the high score, Sri Lanka was unable to respond effectively, finding themselves three down for just 44 runs by stumps on the second day. Early dismissals of key players, including Dimuth Karunaratne and Oshada Fernando, added pressure on the Sri Lankan side, showcasing the potency of the Australian bowlers.
Left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann initiated the Australian breakthrough by taking the first wicket, trapping Oshada Fernando lbw. This was shortly followed by pace spearhead Mitchell Starc who caught out Karunaratne at gully, leading to the instability of the Sri Lankan batting lineup. Veteran spinner Nathan Lyon then dismissed former skipper Angelo Mathews, strengthening Australia’s grip on the match.
With the second day witnessing rain interruptions, senior batsmen Dinesh Chandimal and Kamindu Mendis were trying to stabilize the innings as they remained at the crease with scores of nine and thirteen respectively.
The Australian batting display was not just about runs on the board; it reflected the maturity and skill of its players. The team managed to tire out the Sri Lankan attack over 154 overs, and Khawaja’s approach, maintaining his composure under pressure, demonstrated leadership qualities. His historic double century drew applause as he celebrated by raising his bat to the crowd and kissing the turf—symbols of respect and gratitude for the support received.
The Australian team will be eager to capitalize on their early lead as they progress through the second Test match of the series. Their performance against Sri Lanka could be pivotal, setting the tone for the rest of the tour and potentially accentuating their dominance within the ICC Test Championship. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, must regroup and face the challenges head-on, exploiting their home conditions and experience to claw their way back in the series.
With the way Australia has started, cricket fans around the globe will be watching closely, anticipating whether the team can continue their high-scoring pace and maintain their winning momentum against Sri Lanka.