Usman Khawaja’s Record-Breaking Double Century Resurrects Australia’s Dominance in Galle

Usman Khawaja silenced his critics with a stunning maiden Test double century in Galle. The 38-year-old opener became the oldest Australian in 77 years to achieve this feat. His 232 helped Australia dominate Sri Lanka on Day 2 of the first Test.

Usman Khawaja showed incredible patience and skill, spending eight hours at the crease to notch up a memorable double-century. He surpassed his previous best of 195 against South Africa in 2023*, setting a new personal milestone. Not just that—his innings are now the highest Test score by an Australian in Sri Lanka.

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At 38 years old, Khawaja is also rewriting history. He’s now the second-oldest Australian to score a double century in Test cricket, with only the legendary Don Bradman ahead of him, who hit his last double ton back in 1948.

A Dominant Display with Smith at the Other End

Khawaja found solid support from captain Steve Smith. The duo forged a record 266-run partnership for the third wicket. Their stand eclipsed Adam Gilchrist and Damien Martyn’s 200-run partnership in Kandy (2004). This has become the highest third-wicket stand by an Australian pair in Sri Lanka.

Smith, who also reached a milestone by becoming the 15th player to cross 10,000 Test runs, played a fluent 141-run knock before being dismissed by Jeffrey Vandersay.

A Turning Point for Khawaja

Khawaja’s innings wasn’t flawless. He enjoyed a couple of lucky escapes—Sri Lanka chose not to review a caught-behind appeal when he was on 74, and Kusal Mendis dropped him on 90. But once past 100, he looked unstoppable.

The left-hander attacked Sri Lanka’s spinners, particularly Nishan Peiris, whom he regularly sent to the boundary. His footwork against spin was a highlight, and he showed remarkable patience even as Sri Lanka bowled negative lines outside the leg stump.

As he approached his double century, he steered a single off Prabath Jayasuriya to bring up his first Test 200, soaking in the applause from teammates and spectators.

Sri Lanka Struggles as Australia Crosses 600

After Smith’s departure, debutant Josh Inglis joined Khawaja at the crease. The pair put on an unbeaten 146-run stand, taking Australia past the 550-run mark.

Khawaja finally fell for 232, bowled by Prabath Jayasuriya, bringing an end to a historic innings. By the time of writing, Australia were 600/5 in 143 overs. 

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