Australia in Sri Lanka: Recap first Test’s opening day in Galle as Josh Inglis debuts

A commanding session for Australia with Smith and Khawaja piling on an unbeaten 116 runs as Sri Lanka toiled.

Khawaja reached a drought-breaking century and was given another two lives while Smith passed 50 and looks imperious.

Sri Lanka look lethargic in the field and short of answers, it’s already been a long day and they could be in for more pain.

They missed more chances for review and may go down as one of their worst sessions in recent memory.

Against Jayasuria he whips out two reverse sweeps and Sri Lanka appeals both times.

It’s not given and they don’t review either but replays show the second one touched Khawaja’s glove on the way through.

Khawaja having all the luck Sri Lanka having a shocker

With tea approaching and the field spread Smith and Khawaja are just happy to work the ones and twos.

The partnership is currently 113 coming at 4.55 RPO.

It’s all spin again after Fernando’s burst meaning Smith is batting in the baggy green.

Other than three times he could have (should have) been out Khawaja has looked back to his best.

He gets a dream ball to bring it up working a half-volley off leg stump fine for four.

Could be a career-saving ton and he has a huge smile on his face. It’s one of his fastest centuries too coming off 135 balls and his first since the first Ashes Test in 2023.

Fernando replaces Jayasuriya after a mammoth 20-over spell.

Smith and Khawaja exchange singles to start before Smith defends the rest.

He was given a life early and Smith is making Sri Lanka pay.

He uses he’s feet to whip a single through mid-wicket and look in ominous touch.

It’s also come in quick time off 57 balls with six fours and one six.

He rocks back to drive off the back foot but the ball rips to catch the inside edge which then hits his pad and loops over the keeper who can’t get his hands up in time.

That’s his third life after the drop and a missed review for caught behind.

This was a tough chance but it’s been a stinker of a day in the field for Sri Lanka.

Khawaja nails a reverse sweep and it goes flying past slip for four to bring up Australia’s 200.

He’s almost out the very next ball with an edge ballooning off the back of the bat but just landing safe of short leg.

Undeterred he plays another this one squarer for a brace. AUS 2/203

Steve Smith just clears short cover after advancing down to Vandersay. That was a real heart-in-mouth moment.

But he steps out next time to turn a ball into a full toss and whips it through mid-wicket for four.

FOUR MORE. Comes down and drives him past mid-off to the boundary to bring up the 50 partnership.

Vandersay is looking like the most dangerous bowler and the Aussies don’t won’t him to settle on a length.

AUS 2/187