Khawaja, Smith, Inglis Shine And power Australia To Domination Against Srilanka (Day 2)

January 30, 2025: Australia’s dominant display on the second day of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle set a new record, as the visitors posted their highest-ever total in Asia, reaching 654/6 declared. This commanding performance came on the back of a maiden double century by Usman Khawaja and terrific centuries from Steve Smith and debutant Josh Inglis.

At the close of play, Sri Lanka was in deep trouble at 44/3, trailing by 610 runs. Dinesh Chandimal (9*) and Kamindu Mendis (13*) were the unbeaten batters, but the hosts were facing an uphill task to recover from Australia’s imposing first innings.

Australia resumed the day at 330/2, with Khawaja (130*) and Smith (104*) in control. Both batters continued their relentless assault on the Sri Lankan bowlers, with Khawaja reaching 150 off 223 balls and Smith adding to his total. Their partnership flourished to 200 runs, and the score passed the 400-mark in just 99.1 overs.

The 266-run partnership between Khawaja and Smith was broken by Jeffrey Vandersay, who trapped Smith leg-before for 141 in 251 balls. However, the incoming Inglis wasted no time, hitting a boundary off Vandersay on his very first ball. While Inglis piled on runs, Khawaja made history, registering his maiden Test double century in 290 balls, with 16 fours and a six.

Australia ended the first session at 475/3, with Khawaja (204*) and Inglis (44*) unbeaten. The second session saw Inglis raise his bat for a well-deserved half-century off 51 balls, taking Australia past the 500-run mark in 118.5 overs.

Khawaja’s landmark innings came to an end when he was dismissed for 232, caught behind off a Jayasuriya delivery. Inglis followed soon after, falling for 102 in 94 balls, caught by Mendis at covers. Despite the setbacks, Australia’s score climbed to 629/6, with Beau Webster and Alex Carey keeping the runs flowing.

Australia declared their innings at 654/6, with Carey unbeaten on 46* and Mitchell Starc on 19*. This new total surpassed Australia’s previous highest total in Asia (617) set against Pakistan in Faisalabad in 1980.

Sri Lanka’s reply got off to a disastrous start as they lost three wickets for just 44 runs. Matthew Kuhnemann and Nathan Lyon struck early, sending Oshada Fernando, Dimuth Karunaratne, and Angelo Matthews back to the pavilion. Kamindu Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal managed to hold their ground, ensuring no further wickets fell before the close of play.