Smith Reaches 10,000 Test Runs, Joins Elite Club
Australia’s star batter Steve Smith had a memorable outing in Galle during the first Test against Sri Lanka, achieving multiple milestones on the opening day. Facing the very first ball of his innings, Smith became the 15th player in Test cricket history to surpass 10,000 career runs. However, he didn’t stop there—he went on to score a brilliant century, leading Australia to a commanding position at 330/2 at stumps.
Smith and Khawaja’s Dominant Partnership
Smith, captaining the side in the absence of Pat Cummins, built an imposing partnership with opener Usman Khawaja. The duo added an unbroken 195-run stand for the third wicket, making the most of Sri Lanka’s sloppy fielding, which included missed catches, a botched run-out, and unsuccessful reviews.
Both batters reached their respective hundreds, with Smith securing his 35th Test century. This milestone saw him surpass Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar (34 Test centuries) on the all-time list, drawing level with Younis Khan, Mahela Jayawardene, and Brian Lara.
Fastest to 10,000 Test Runs – Smith Among the Greats
Smith reached 10,000 Test runs in just 205 innings, making him the third-fastest to achieve the feat. Only Sachin Tendulkar (200 innings) and Ricky Ponting (194 innings) accomplished it quicker. Interestingly, Smith’s 35 Test centuries after 205 innings put him on par with Tendulkar, with only Ponting ahead at this stage with 36 centuries.
Australia Takes Control on Day 1
Australia’s decision to bat first paid off handsomely. Travis Head, who was promoted as Usman Khawaja’s new opening partner, provided a fiery start. He struck three boundaries in the opening over against Sri Lanka’s sole pacer, Asitha Fernando. Head raced to a half-century off just 35 balls before being dismissed by left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya.
Marnus Labuschagne chipped in with 20 runs before falling to leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay. From there, Smith and Khawaja took charge, ensuring Australia ended the day in a dominant position.
Australia Eyes Strong Finish in Galle
With a solid first-day total, Australia is well-placed to push for a big score and put Sri Lanka under pressure. Already assured of a spot in the World Test Championship final against South Africa in June, Australia has rested several key players for this series. However, Smith’s leadership and batting masterclass ensured they remained in control as the Test progressed.
