Australia Dominates Day 1 of 1st Test Against Sri Lanka with Mammoth 654/6
In a commanding display of batting prowess, Australia posted a colossal total of 654/6 on the opening day of the first Test against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium. The Australian batters dominated the Sri Lankan bowling attack, with centuries from Usman Khawaja, Steven Smith, and Josh Inglis headlining the innings. Sri Lanka, in response, struggled to gain momentum, finishing the day at 145/6, trailing by a massive 509 runs.
Learn more about the first Test between Australia and Sri Lanka.
Australia’s Batting Masterclass
Australia’s performance on the opening day was a showcase of skill, patience, and raw power. Usman Khawaja, the standout performer, played a remarkable innings of 232 runs off 352 balls, including 25 boundaries and 3 sixes. His determination and steady composure in the heat and humidity of Galle ensured Australia set a dominant foundation. Khawaja’s innings was a marathon effort, building partnerships with both Steven Smith and Josh Inglis.
Steven Smith, the seasoned batsman, continued his fine form with a classy 141 runs off 251 balls. Smith’s innings was marked by his trademark elegance and ability to rotate strike, picking gaps all around the field, as well as hitting 15 boundaries and a six.
Josh Inglis, the surprise package of the day, played a brilliant cameo, smashing 102 runs off 94 balls, including 10 fours and 3 sixes. His aggressive approach added the much-needed momentum to Australia’s innings after the lunch break.
Travis Head, known for his quickfire batting, played a valuable knock of 57 off 40 balls. His strike rate of nearly 142 was instrumental in keeping Sri Lanka on the backfoot. Alongside him, Alex Carey remained unbeaten on 46 off 69 balls*, while Mitchell Starc chipped in with a quick 19 off 19 balls*.
Contributions from Beau Webster (23 off 50) and Marnus Labuschagne (20 off 50) further ensured that Australia surpassed the 650-run mark with ease.
On the bowling front for Sri Lanka, Prabath Jayasuriya and Jeffrey Vandersay were the pick of the bowlers, taking 3 wickets each. However, they were expensive, with Jayasuriya conceding 193 runs from 60 overs and Vandersay giving up 182 runs in 38 overs. Asitha Fernando and Nishan Peiris struggled to make an impact, with Peiris leaking 189 runs in his 41 overs.
Sri Lanka’s Struggles in Response
After facing such a massive total, Sri Lanka’s response was nothing short of disappointing. Openers Oshada Fernando and Dimuth Karunaratne were dismissed cheaply, with both scoring just 7 runs. The pressure of chasing a mountainous total seemed to affect the batsmen, with Angelo Mathews (7 off 18) and Kamindu Mendis (15 off 38) failing to capitalise on their chances.
In the middle order, Dhananjaya De Silva showed some resistance with a patient 22 runs off 34 balls. However, the most notable contribution came from Dinesh Chandimal, who remained unbeaten on 63 runs off 115 balls*, holding the Sri Lankan innings together. He was ably supported by Kusal Mendis, who was on 10 off 25 balls* when play ended for the day.
Despite Sri Lanka’s best efforts, Australia’s bowlers kept them in check. Mitchell Starc and Matthew Kuhnemann each took 2 wickets, while Nathan Lyon claimed 1 wicket. Starc’s control was remarkable, as he conceded just 13 runs in 8 overs, including 1 maiden over, making life hard for Sri Lanka’s batsmen. Kuhnemann’s left-arm spin added variety to the Australian attack, picking up crucial wickets.
Read more about Australia’s bowling strategy.
Key Performances
Australia Batting:
- Usman Khawaja: 232 (352 balls) – 25 fours, 3 sixes
- Steven Smith: 141 (251 balls) – 15 fours, 1 six
- Josh Inglis: 102 (94 balls) – 10 fours, 3 sixes
- Travis Head: 57 (40 balls) – 8 fours, 1 six
- Alex Carey: 46* (69 balls) – 5 fours
Australia Bowling:
- Mitchell Starc: 2/13 in 8 overs (1 maiden)
- Matthew Kuhnemann: 2/48 in 13 overs (2 maidens)
- Nathan Lyon: 1/43 in 15 overs (2 maidens)
Sri Lanka Batting:
- Dinesh Chandimal: 63* (115 balls) – 7 fours
- Dhananjaya De Silva: 22 (34 balls) – 3 fours
Sri Lanka Bowling:
- Prabath Jayasuriya: 3/193 in 60 overs (8 maidens)
- Jeffrey Vandersay: 3/182 in 38 overs
More on Sri Lanka’s batting performance here.
Turning Point
The turning point of the day was Usman Khawaja’s monumental double century. His unrelenting partnership with Steven Smith and the aggressive knock from Josh Inglis put Australia on top early. This allowed the Aussies to build a lead too big for Sri Lanka to chase, leaving the hosts on the backfoot. The early wickets taken by Mitchell Starc and Matthew Kuhnemann in Sri Lanka’s innings further solidified Australia’s control, ensuring they finished the day in the driver’s seat.
Read more about how Australia controlled Day 1.
Conclusion
Australia’s dominant performance on Day 1 has left them in a commanding position. With a lead of 509 runs, and Sri Lanka struggling at 145/6, the visiting team faces an uphill battle. Australia will look to wrap up Sri Lanka’s innings quickly on Day 2 and potentially enforce a follow-on if conditions permit.
Sri Lanka’s focus will be on regrouping, building partnerships, and minimizing the damage in the second innings. The challenge ahead for Sri Lanka seems daunting, but they have some experienced players who could yet spark a dramatic turnaround.
With the match already showcasing some thrilling cricket, fans can expect more exciting action as the Test progresses, weather permitting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who were the top scorers for Australia on Day 1?
Usman Khawaja, with an outstanding 232 runs off 352 balls, was the top scorer, followed by Steven Smith (141 off 251 balls) and Josh Inglis (102 off 94 balls). Their contributions led Australia to a massive 654/6 on Day 1.
Learn more about Usman Khawaja’s impact here.
2. What was Sri Lanka’s score at the end of Day 1?
Sri Lanka finished Day 1 at 145/6, still trailing by a hefty 509 runs. Dinesh Chandimal was the standout performer, remaining unbeaten on 63 off 115 balls*.
3. Why was Usman Khawaja’s innings so significant?
Usman Khawaja’s 232 runs not only provided a solid foundation for Australia but also demoralized the Sri Lankan bowlers. His innings was patient, composed, and consistent, marking it as one of his best performances in Test cricket.
Read about Khawaja’s stellar performances over the years.
4. How did Australia’s bowlers perform on Day 1?
Australia’s bowlers were disciplined and effective. Mitchell Starc bowled an economical spell, taking 2 wickets for 13 runs in 8 overs. Matthew Kuhnemann and Nathan Lyon also played vital roles in restricting Sri Lanka’s scoring rate.
5. Will Sri Lanka be able to come back in the match?
Sri Lanka faces a monumental task of chasing down the huge deficit. However, with players like Dinesh Chandimal showing resilience and a couple of promising young talents in the lineup, they still have a chance to stage a fightback if they build partnerships and put up a solid second innings performance.
Find more insights on Sri Lanka’s comeback chances.
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Muhammad Anas
