Australian opener Usman Khawaja’s maiden double century propelled Australia to a commanding 475 for three at lunch on Day 2 of the first Test against Sri Lanka on Thursday. The 38-year-old left-hander displayed remarkable resilience, spending over seven and a half hours at the crease to register his career-best score, surpassing his previous highest of 195 not out against South Africa in Sydney in 2023.
Khawaja, who only managed to score 184 runs in the five-match Test series against India at home, marched on to 232 before falling caught-behind off Prabath Jayasuriya. His marathon knock came off 353 balls with 16 fours and one six. Khawaja has become the first Australian cricketer to score a double century in Sri Lanka.
WATCH Usman Khawaja complete his maiden Test double century HERE…
USMAN KHAWAJA DOUBLE CENTURY
It’s the first of his Test career and the first ever by an Australian in Sri Lanka! pic.twitter.com/6rd10XfKfe
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) January 30, 2025
After Khawaja’s dismissal, debutant Josh Inglis notched up his maiden Test ton off 90 balls with 10 fours and a six. Inglis came into the side in place of Sam Konstas, made his debut innings count – putting on a rapid 146 runs for the 4th wicket with Khawaja.
He was dismissed soon after completing his century, falling to Prabath Jayasuriya once again. But by then the Aussies had already raced along to 570 for 5.
Earlier, resuming his innings at 147 overnight in Galle, Khawaja remained unflappable against Sri Lanka’s spinners, bringing up his double century with a sharp single to mid-off. He had some luck along the way—caught behind on 74 but saved when Sri Lanka failed to review, and later dropped on 90 by Kusal Mendis.
However, he made the hosts pay, delivering a batting masterclass. His unbeaten 204 came off 298 balls, laced with 16 fours and a six.
Khawaja and captain Steve Smith stitched together a record-breaking 266-run partnership for the third wicket, surpassing the previous best stand of 200 between Adam Gilchrist and Damien Martyn in Kandy back in 2004.
The partnership finally ended when Jeffrey Vandersay trapped Smith leg-before. Smith’s composed 141 off 251 balls featured 12 fours and two sixes, further cementing Australia’s dominance.
Debutant Josh Inglis looked confident at the crease, crafting a fluent 44 off just 46 balls, including five boundaries. Smith is leading the Australian side in the absence of regular captain Pat Cummins, who is on paternity leave. Australia recently clinched a five-Test series against India at home, securing a spot in the World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord’s in June.
The second Test of the two-match series begins on February 6, also in Galle.
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