Smith Becomes 15th Member of 10,000-Run Club as Khawaja Hits Century in Galle

Australia Dominate on Day One of First Test Against Sri Lanka, Steve Smith marked a significant milestone in his illustrious career by becoming the 15th player in Test cricket history to join the prestigious 10,000-run club. On a rain-impacted opening day of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, Smith’s century, alongside Usman Khawaja’s unbeaten 147, propelled Australia to a commanding 330/2 at the stumps.

Smith, standing in as captain for the absent Pat Cummins, reached the 10,000-run mark in his 115th Test match, a remarkable feat for the 35-year-old. His 104 not out, his 35th Test century, came during a 195-run partnership with Khawaja, which frustrated Sri Lanka throughout the day.

Sri Lanka’s fielding woes were evident as they squandered multiple opportunities, including several missed catches, a botched run-out chance, and poor decisions on reviews. Khawaja, who was in solid form, benefitted from these lapses, finishing the day on 147. Both Khawaja and Smith struck 10 boundaries and a six, capitalizing on Sri Lanka’s mistakes.

Earlier, Travis Head’s promotion to number three in the batting order proved successful. He hammered a quickfire 57 before falling to a poor shot against Sri Lanka's left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya. Head’s aggressive knock included a rapid half-century off just 35 balls, but he was dismissed attempting an aerial drive.

Australia had also survived a few close calls, including Head being lucky to avoid a review on an LBW shout from Asitha Fernando when he was on 23. Khawaja was also fortunate when he was not given out despite an edge to the keeper while on 74. Sri Lanka opted against reviewing that decision, which proved to be a costly error.

Marnus Labuschagne, who replaced Head at the crease, survived a potential run-out chance but could not capitalize on the opportunity, falling to leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay.

Despite these interruptions, Smith and Khawaja's resilience ensured that Australia finished the day firmly in control. Smith’s achievement of joining the 10,000-run club highlights his consistent excellence in Test cricket, as he follows fellow Australian greats Ricky Ponting, Allan Border, and Steve Waugh.

With the World Test Championship final against South Africa already secured for June, Australia rested several key players for this match, but their dominance on Day 1 suggests they are well-prepared for the challenge ahead.