NewsBite

Australia vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test Day 1: Smith and Labuschagne centuries lead Aussies

Former Australian captain Steve Smith has finally raised his bat to the heavens after more than a year.

less than 2 min read
July 8, 2022 - 9:16PM
ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 17: Steve Smith of Australia celebrates scoring a half century during day two of the Second Test match in the Ashes series between Australia and England at the Adelaide Oval on December 17, 2021 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images)
ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 17: Steve Smith of Australia celebrates scoring a half century during day two of the Second Test match in the Ashes series between Australia and England at the Adelaide Oval on December 17, 2021 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images)

Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith have guided Australia into a dominant position on the opening day of the second Test in Galle.

The dynamic duo both registered centuries with Labuschagne's his first outside of Australian shores.

Watch Australia's Tour of Sri Lanka. Every T20, ODI and Test Match Live & On-Demand on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >

For Smith the century ends an 18-month long drought with his last triple-figure score coming against India in January 2021.

Australia's other batsmen failed to capitalise on the favourable batting conditions with Usman Khawaja knocked over for 37 runs the next best.

The Aussies finished the opening day's play at 5/298.

Recap the action below. 

Updates

Smith ends century drought

James McKern

Steve Smith has raised his bat with a hard-fought century on the opening day of the second Test in Galle. His 100 runs came from 193 delivers in warm conditions.

Smith registers his first Test century outside of Australian shores for the first time in 1037 days. It's his first Test century on all continents in 546 days, his last coming in January 2021.

After moving to 96, a fuller pitched delivery saw Smith loosen his shoulders and drive a shot gloriously through the covers. As it raced away to the boundary the former captain embraced Alex Carey.

Smith strolled to the crease with the Aussies not in bad shape at 2/70 and teamed up with Marnus Labuschange.

The duo piled on a 134-run stand as they punished the Sri Lankan bowling attack.

The century for Smith takes him past some legends of the game.

Marnus' first overseas century

James McKern

Marnus Labuschagne raised both arms to the sky after scoring his seventh Test century and his first not on Australian shores.

Australia's number three walked to the crease in the fifth over after David Warner was sent packing and has helped the tourists built a solid innings as the Sri Lankan bowling attack toils away.

Smith and Marnus on top

James McKern

Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne are making light work of the Sri Lankan bowling attack as the scoreboard keeps ticking over.

The pair have pushed the Aussie total to 2/165 after 48 overs with the locals not looking like they're a danger of nabbing a wicket anytime soon.

Marnus' half century

James McKern

Marnus Labuschagne has saluted after surviving an early scare.

A missed stumping chance could cost Sri Lanka dearly as Labuschagne builds yet another solid partnership, this time alongside Steve Smith.

Khawaja bamboozled, on his way

James McKern

Usman Khawaja was building a solid innings, picking his spots and not chasing anything loose.

The left-handed opener, along with Marnus Labuschagne, had built the scoreboard up but a piece of brilliance from Ramesh Mendis sent him packing.

A gem of a delivery that pitched on middle and off stump turned just enough to beat the bat of Khawaja and clip the top of off stump.

For Khawaja it becomes the first time he's been dismissed for less than 50 runs in red-ball Test cricket this year.

Controversial moment prior to Warner wicket

James McKern

David Warner will be left kicking himself after he waved for play to continue despite sight screen issues taking place in Galle.

The white sheet had fallen down on the sight screen, leaving a turquoise blue colour behind the bowler and in Warner's eyes. But the opener didn't want to waste time and told the umpire play could go on.

Moments later his stumps were skittled and he was walking to the sheds with only five runs to his name.

A brilliant around the wicket delivery from Kasun Rajitha straightened and left Warner in all sorts as the locals claimed their first wicket in the opening five overs.

Australia wins toss, to bat first

Australia won the toss and has elected to bat first.

The tourists have named an unchanged line-up, while Sri Lanka is blooding three debutants – Prabath Jayasuriya, Kamindu Mendis and Meheesh Theekshana.

Aussie skipper Pat Cummins said the wicket played a key role in deciding to keep Mitchell Starc in the XI, with a hard and green pitch the ball isn't expected to favour the spinners as much in the early going.

Australia XI: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (c), Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Swepson.

Sri Lanka XI: Dimuth Karunaratne (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Ramesh Mendis, Maheesh Theekshanna, Prabath Jayasuriya, Kasun Rajith.

Glenn Maxwell left out again

Glenn Maxwell's hopes of a recall to Australia's Test side for the first time in five years have been dashed.

Australia will go in with an unchanged side from the one that beat Sri Lanka inside three days in the first Test.

Captain Pat Cummins said yesterday Maxwell was in selection plans, but the all-rounder was spotted bowling seam-up in the nets and has been left on the outer again.

Mitchell Starc has overcome a finger injury and will take his place in Australia's XI.

Read related topics:Cricket Live Scores
More related stories

Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/sport/cricket/australia-vs-sri-lanka-2nd-test-day-1-live-photo-kills-glenn-maxwell-rumours/live-coverage/21972a26778aadd156c5d081a8a0e0ed