In Galle, Usman Khawaja scored his maiden double hundred in the first Test match against Sri Lanka. After a disappointing series against India at home, Khawaja entered the Test, but he appeared completely in charge against Sri Lanka. Australia are in a dominant spot with Steve Smith's 35th Test century and Khawaja's double ton. At lunch on the second day, the visitors had reached 475-3, while Khawaja was undefeated at 204.
Since Khawaja was the first Australian to hit a double hundred in Sri Lanka, the knock was more special. Justin Langer, who scored 166 in Colombo, previously held the record for the highest individual score by an Australian in Sri Lanka.
Highest score by an Australian batter in Sri Lanka
- Usman Khawaja - 204*
- Justin Langer - 166
- Damien Martin - 161
- Darren Lehman - 153
- Steve Smith - 145
Earlier, on Day 1. Steve Smith also shattered many records as he smashed his 35th Test hundred and became one of the few players to complete 10000 runs in Test cricket. Smith reached the milestone as the fourth overall and the second-fastest Australian after Ricky Ponting. In addition, he was only the sixth player to accomplish the feat while captaining a squad. Following Pat Cummins' withdrawal from the series, Smith was chosen captain of the team.
For the first time in 14 years, Australia will be trying to win the series in Sri Lanka. They are expected to put an end to their Sri Lanka drought as well the similar way they ended their ten-year wait for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. After defeating India 3-1 in the series, the team has already advanced to the WTC final, and the outcome of the Sri Lanka tour will not impact the finalists. Australia and South Africa will compete for the WTC title at Lord's starting on June 11.