Sri Lanka was staring down the barrel at 44-3 after Australia achieved its largest ever total in Asia — 654-6 declared — on day two of the first test on Thursday. Fatigued after spending five and a half sessions fielding under the scorching sun,

Rex Clementine in Galle Sri Lanka were in dire straits, having lost the cream of their batting lineup for peanuts and limped to 44 for three at stumps on day two, in reply to Australia’s mammoth first-innings total of 654 for six declared.

Mitchell Starc achieved a significant milestone by taking the important wicket of Dimuth Karunaratne during the second innings of the first Test. This marked the 700th wicket of his international career across all formats.

Usman Khawaja's double hundred and twin centuries from Steve Smith and Josh Inglis helped Australia take complete control over Australia on Day 2 of the Test match.

Usman Khawaja’s maiden Test double century and a rapid ton from debutant Josh Inglis decimated a flagging Sri Lanka before Australia’s attack breathed life into a slow Galle surface late on day two. After stand-in captain Steven Smith declared Australia’s innings on 654 for 6 midway through the final session,

Usman Khawaja has made the first double-century of his Test career as Australia presses home its advantage against Sri Lanka on day two. Follow live.

Australia's stand-in skipper Steve Smith called it right at the toss and has opted to bat first at the Galle International Stadium

Kuhnemann trapped Oshada Fernando (seven) lbw in the second over of the innings, while Starc removed fellow Dimuth Karunaratne (seven) shortly later thanks to a cracking catch from sub fielder Nathan McSweeney.

Much like this tour, Australia's most recent Test tour to Sri Lanka contained two Tests, both in Galle. Australia won the first Test by 10 wickets before the hosts replied with an innings and 39-run victory. Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith both scored century in the latter, with Mitch Starc the best of the Aussie bowlers with 4-89.

Australia had Sri Lanka three down after opener Usman Khawaja's first double century and a ton on debut by Josh Inglis helped the tourists to 654-6 declared in the first match on Thursday.

GALLE, Sri Lanka, Jan 30, (AP): Sri Lanka was staring down the barrel at 44-3 after Australia achieved its largest-ever total in Asia - 654-6 declared - on day two of the first test on Thursday. Fatigued after spending five and a half sessions fielding under the scorching sun, Sri Lanka’s batting resistance was minimal.

Australia had Sri Lanka three down after opener Usman Khawaja's first double century and a ton on debut by Josh Inglis helped the tourists to 654-6 declared in the first match on Thursday. His previous best was an unbeaten 195 against South Africa in 2023 at Sydney and he is now the first Australian batsman to make a double ton in Sri Lanka.