Australia v Sri Lanka live: Khawaja Inglis, Smith star before bowlers rip through the top order

Sri Lanka’s top order was decimated as Australia tightened its first Test grip on a record-breaking day at Galle International Stadium.

Sri Lanka’s top order was decimated as Australia tightened its first Test grip on a record-breaking day at Galle International Stadium.

Josh Inglis had earlier blasted his way to a debut ton while Usman Khawaja cruised to a maiden Test double century as Australia amassed an enormous first innings total to all but bat Sri Lanka out of the match.

The home side slumped to 3-44 at stumps after Australia declared at 6-654 midway through the final session on day two, having posted its highest Test total on Asian soil and a new record for all Tests against Sri Lanka.

Usman Khawaja scored a career-best 232 in the first innings. Picture: AFP

Having overcome the fractured and dislocated thumb that threatened to end his tour, left-arm spinner Matt Kuhnmenn pounced in what was his first Test over in 22 months, trapping Sri Lankan opener Oshada Fernando for seven, with the decision upheld on review.

Veteran Dimuth Karunaratne departed for seven less than three overs later after sharply edging Mitchell Starc to gully where Nathan McSweeney - fielding for the cramping Khawaja - snaffled a lunging second bite at the cherry.

McSweeney tried for a second corker when Dinesh Chandimal miscued a drive from Starc on five but the South Australian captain couldn’t hang on.

Nathan Lyon almost bowled Angelo Mathews for seven only for the bails not to dislodge as chances came thick and fast for the tourists before the close. But Mathews couldn’t add to that total before being brilliantly snared at short leg by Travis Head off Lyon.

Travis Head takes a screamer to dismiss Sri Lanka's Angelo Mathews. Picture: AFP

Travis Head celebrates with teammates after taking a ripping catch. Picture: AFP

The controversial call to leave out Sam Konstas looked entirely vindicated as the Aussies piled on the pain for the hosts on a sluggish pitch on which few threats were posed to Australia’s batters.

West Australian Inglis brought up his century off just 90 balls with the second of a three to deep extra cover off Nishan Peiris. Having leapt into the air, he was embraced mid-pitch by batting partner Alex Carey, the man for whom he has long served as wicketkeeping understudy.

Having batted together for the best part of a day, Khawaja’s 266-run union with Steve Smith (141) finally ended when the stand-in captain missed a straightening delivery from leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay found to be taking the top of off-stump on DRS.

Steve Smith scored his third century in the past four Tests. Picture: Getty Images

By this point Australia had already broken through the 400 barrier, but local hopes that the breakthrough would precipitate anything like a collapse went unfulfilled.

Inglis - who had waited on the fringes of the Test side for three years, and then been padded up for the 70 overs of the third wicket stand - wasn’t about to throw away his chance.

He attacked from the outset, tugging Vandersay through the leg side for a first ball boundary.

Though he had a couple of early false shots to Prabath Jayasuriya, Inglis largely showed the adroitness against spin that had led selectors to pick him in the middle order spot.

Given lbw to Peiris on 58, Inglis reviewed straight away, with the call overturned on review after the system showed clear contact with the bat.

Australia's Josh Inglis celebrates after scoring a century on debut. Picture: AFP

He became the first Australian man to score a Test century on debut since Adam Voges against the West Indies in 2015, eventually falling for 102 via a leading edge to give Jayasuriya a third wicket.

Khawaja had been declared on by Pat Cummins five runs shy of 200 against South Africa at the SCG in early 2023.

But there would be no such troubles this time, with Khawaja reaching the milestone with a single to long-off. Devout Muslim Khawaja both looked to the heavens and kissed the Galle outfield after reaching 200, having acknowledged his faith when speaking after play on Wednesday.

Usman Khawaja celebrates scoring his double century. Picture: Getty Images

He eventually feathered one from Jayasuriya to depart for 232, but not before surpassing Michael Slater’s mark of 219 - set at Perth in December of 1995 - for the highest Test score for Australia against Sri Lanka.

Despite the mountain of runs, Sri Lanka still only employed four bowlers across 154 overs. Jayasuriya sent down 60.

Beau Webster went for 23 after being caught at short cover off Vandersay, with Carey (46 not out) and Starc (19 not out) further padding the total as play continued despite light rain.

Alex Carey scored 46 runs before the declaration came. Picture: AFP

Former Australian gloveman Ian Healy earlier told SEN that Smith’s renewed vein of form indicated that the all-time great could keep playing until his 40th birthday in 2029.

“I was so pleased, his batting his back,” Healy said.

“I thought he was clear-headed, and he was timing the ball beautifully, even in his defence.

“I’m saying he could play to 40 now. He’s got heaps ahead of him.

“He’s one of his greatest and his record is statistically like that, he’s right up there.

“He’ll always get mentioned in maybe the top three and definitely top five.

“He’s up with Allan Border, Ricky Ponting, Don Bradman, Steve Waugh and Greg Chappell.”

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Originally published as Australia v Sri Lanka live: Khawaja Inglis, Smith star before bowlers rip through the top order