Australia seizes dominance as Khawaja and Inglis dominate Sri Lanka

Australia’s Usman Khawaja made his first double hundred, and Josh Inglis scored a century on his test debut against Sri Lanka, helping the visitors reach a colossal 654 for six before they announced the end of their first innings on day two of the first test on Thursday.

Khawaja played a lengthy innings of 232 and formed century-plus partnerships with Steve Smith and Inglis, driving Australia to their highest test score in Asia.

Acting captain Smith scored 141, while Inglis blasted 102 from 94 balls as Australia accumulated runs at the Galle International Stadium.

Sri Lanka fell to 44-3 in their weak response before rain interrupted the match, leaving the hosts 610 runs behind and facing the possibility of a follow-on.

Kamindu Mendis (13) and Dinesh Chandimal (nine) will continue their fight for survival when the game resumes on Friday.

On Wednesday, Sri Lanka were careless with their reviews, as two not-out calls against the Australia batters could have been reversed if the hosts had opted to use them.

Inglis sped to his fifty but was ruled lbw to spinner Nishan Peiris. The batter challenged the ruling, which was overturned after replays showed he had touched it.

Khawaja reached his 200 with a single off-spinner bowled by Prabath Jayasuriya. The 38-year-old knelt to the ground and embraced Inglis in joy.

Khawaja countered Sri Lanka’s spin-dominant bowling by utilizing the sweep and reverse sweep, frequently advancing down the pitch and disrupting the bowlers’ rhythm.

Jayasuriya (3-193) ultimately got Khawaja out caught behind following an impressive innings featuring 16 fours and a six.

Inglis sprinted to a century off 90 balls and raised his fists in joy as his parents applauded from the stands.

Leg-spinner Vandersay gave away 182 runs in his 38 overs while taking three wickets.