Steve Smith has finally fallen – but the Aussies hold a commanding position early on day two of the first Test against India in Galle.
Trapped for LBW by Jeffrey Vandersay for 141, his dismissal ends a 266-run stand with Usman Khawaja and sees debutant Josh Inglis come to the crease as the Aussies reach 3/408 at the drinks break.
However, Khawaja continues his strong form, reaffirming his credentials as the in-form Australia batter on Asian decks.
Despite being the reigning ICC Test Player of the Year 2024, his disappointing form in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Series saw many punters question Khawaja’s long-term viability in the team.
However, on the Galle, he let his batting do the talking, quickly reaching 150, and then overtaking his all-time score of 195* to score his maiden double-century – roaring back to form in ruthless fashion against a Sri Lankan attack with few answers.
Steve Smith celebrates with Usman Khawaja. (Photo by Buddhika Weerasinghe/Getty Images)
Speaking to the media yesterday, Khawaja was all class in his response to his critics.
“I’m not here for anyone but the team,” Khawaja said.
“(Australia coach) Andrew McDonald, one thing last year he said to me, ‘I don’t care what happens, just make sure you’re on the Sri Lankan tour’.
“I’m not just playing cricket because I’ve got a gluttony to score lots of runs. Sixteen, seventeen, eighteen hundreds is not going to make a difference to my life. When I finish this game, I’ve got beautiful kids and a family.
“I’m pretty chill with everything, but it’s nice to get 100 after the summer because it was a tough time.”
Josh Inglis . (Photo by Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images)
Debutant nerves left at the door
Josh Inglis has finally been given his chance to stake his claim in the Australian side – and the debutant has overcome some early nerves to go to the drinks break 15 not out.
The debutant has been the butt of several jokes since entering the camp, with Khawaja playfully teasing him about his English heritage.
“There’s been a lot of jokes, probably from me because I’m Pakistani, I like to joke about his heritage,” Khawaja said as Australia went to stumps on day one.
“I asked him if (Yorkshire cricket legend) Geoffrey Boycott was going to give him his hat today. Then we just started rattling off lots of Yorkshire players.”
“I made a joke again when his dad was tearing up: ‘Is that because he’s not playing for England?’,” the opener said.
However, all jokes were off once both players were at the crease, with Inglis helping Khawaja maintain the run rate against the Pakistanis on day two – whose mixed form with the ball has continued.
However, Khawaja has been reminded that Galle has previously not been a happy hunting ground for the Aussies, with the Sri Lankans defeating the Aussies by an innings and 39 runs at their last encounter at the venue.
“You never get ahead of yourself in Galle,” Khawaja said.
“We learned that last time, particularly in the second game, so we’ll be taking that into this game.”
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