Khawaja-Smith dominating spin in Galle

Khawaja-Smith Dominating Spin in Galle

It was a day dominated by Australia in Galle, led by a dominant Usman Khawaja. Khawaja's reverse-sweep off Prabath Jayasuriya was a statement piece, coming in the first over with the second new ball. It was a classic Jayasuriya delivery, landing on a length and gripping, but Khawaja survived it and followed up with a powerful reverse sweep for four.

Khawaja and Steve Smith put on a mighty partnership, with Khawaja taking charge of dictating terms to the Sri Lankan spinners. He was aggressive, even if less audacious than Travis Head, who was caught on the rope at long-on after shocking the Sri Lankans into retreat.

Khawaja, the man once dismissed twice on the same day at this venue, batted through an entire day's play in Galle. He has dispelled the myth of being unable to play spin in the subcontinent, becoming only the second Aussie batter after Allan Border to post a century in Pakistan, India, and now Sri Lanka.

Smith ended up batting like a dream, putting on a masterclass on using your feet against spin to put them off their length. He scored off all three spinners through both sides of the pitch and to all corners of the Galle stadium.

Khawaja and Smith are not done yet, and will continue their domination of Jayasuriya & Co on the second morning.