Rain halts Australia’s first innings after Smith and Khawaja hit brilliant hundreds against hapless Sri Lankans​on January 29, 2025 at 11:36 am

There it is.

Steve Smith needed one run for 10,000 in Tests. He got there.

Then he was dropped on one.

Now he has 100 runs for an overall tally of 10,099.

He brings up his 35th Test century with a three through the off side.

What a player. Sensational dig.

Australia 2-316

As Australia reaches 300 and breaks a 100-ball boundary drought, Dan Brettig answers a reader question.

Question from Dave: “How high can Steve Smith climb on the all-time run-scorers list? Let’s assume he bats for another two Ashes series, how many more runs is he likely to score?”

Wonderful batting. Beautiful players of spin. However, they have had their luck today. Things could have been very different had Sri Lanka taken their chances.

Just 22 runs have come from the last 10 overs. Might be time for a little bit of chocolate or some ice cream.

Australia 2-287 off 72 overs

As the dots pile up and the pace of the game slows down, let’s take a few questions. Fire away.

It’s been 68 balls since Australia last scored a boundary.

Australia 2-278 (Khawaja 128, Smith 72)

Smith and Khawaja are more than happy padding balls away that pitch outside their leg stump. Some pretty negative bowling from Sri Lanka but there is a plan brewing. They’re just trying to limit scoring and coax one of these two to play a rash shot.

Commentators have just called a wicket. Oh wait, they’re talking about some kids playing on the hill.

How bored are they?

Australia 2-269

Khawaja and Smith are back in the middle, eager to pile on more pain.

Four easy singles to start us off. It’ll be interesting to see what fields Sri Lanka employ. They have to try and take wickets. Can’t be too defensive. Would like to see a few more blokes around the bat.

Australia 2-265

Hope you’re watching kids. This has been a dead set clinic from Khawaja (119 off 116 balls) and Smith (64 from 105 balls).

These two have barely given a chance in the middle session as Australia get through a couple of hours on a pitch asking a plenty of questions without losing a wicket. This partnership is 126 runs, which is the fourth-highest partnership (for any wicket) for Australia in a Test in Galle. The highest is Darren Lehmann and Damien Martyn’s 206 for the fourth wicket in 2004.

The key to this pair’s success has been good intent. They’ve demonstrated quick footwork and pick up length quickly.

It’s a perfect platform for some real damage in the last session. Debutant Josh Inglis might want to take the pads off during tea. A chance he’s suffering from a severe case of pad rash.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s over rate is perfect. 60 in the first two sessions.

Australia 2-261

Sri Lanka’s opening bowler Fernando Asitha can’t buy a trick today. Was pumped for 13 runs off the first over of the match, courtesy of three Travis Head boundaries, and hasn’t looked like jagging a wicket after that. The pitch isn’t giving a lot of help and I suspect Australia are pretty happy at their decision to pick Mitchell Starc as their only frontline pace bowler for this fixture.

Khawaja is looking very solid in defence, while Smith is happy playing from the crease to spinners. The latter’s scoring has slowed slightly but he wouldn’t be bothered one bit.

Sri Lanka … without stating the obvious … are desperate for a wicket.

Australia 2-239 after 53 overs, Khawaja 102, Smith 59

Australia 2-239, Khawaja 102 and Smith 59. A commanding position to be in 40 minutes from the tea break. Sri Lanka are really getting through their overs. Good news for cricket bloggers everywhere.

But jeez they’d love some wickets. Something?