In a show of cricketing mastery that has turn into his hallmark, Steve Smith has as soon as once more etched his title into the annals of cricket historical past. On the primary day of the opening Check match between Sri Lanka and Australia in Galle, Smith scored his thirty fifth Check century, sending followers right into a frenzy and setting the tone for what guarantees to be an thrilling sequence.
Australia choose to bat first in spin-friendly Galle
The Check match, eagerly anticipated by followers worldwide, kicked off beneath clear skies in Galle, a venue identified for its spin-friendly situations. Australia received the toss and elected to bat first, a choice that appeared to pay dividends as their openers laid a strong basis. Nevertheless, it was Smith’s entry to the crease that really turned the day’s play into one thing particular.
Steve Smith hits his thirty fifth Check century
Smith, strolling out at quantity 4, confronted a Sri Lankan bowling assault led by the wily spinners. Smith’s innings was a masterclass in endurance, approach, and temperament. His century got here off 165 deliveries, however it was the standard of photographs quite than the amount that captured the creativeness of the followers.
He mixed basic drives with deft touches, navigating by way of the spin with an ease that belied the challenges posed by the Galle pitch. His partnership with Usman Khawaja was significantly noteworthy, with the duo including over 195 runs for the third wicket, solidifying Australia’s place by the top of the day.
Additionally READ: SL vs AUS 2025: Followers hail Usman Khawaja after his outstanding century on Day 1 of the primary Check
Australia in command as rain brings early stumps
By the top of the day, Australia stood robust at 330/2 in 81.1 overs earlier than a drizzle introduced the covers on. Smith remained unbeaten on 104, whereas Khawaja stole the limelight with a commanding 147*. Their efforts have put the guests in a commanding place heading into Day 2.
Right here is how followers reacted:
CAPTAIN, LEADER, LEGEND, STEVE SMITH 🐐
– thirty fifth Check Hundred for the principle man of Australia. pic.twitter.com/nh4HFMm9hy
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 29, 2025
Steve Smith now has extra Check a whole lot than Sunil Gavaskar, Younis Khan, Mahela Jayawardene and Brian Lara.#SLvAUS
— Nic Savage (@nic_savage1) January 29, 2025
The trendy day 🐐 https://t.co/BCIxwJMDVL
— Aaron Finch (@AaronFinch5) January 29, 2025
Imposing & imperious from Steve Smith. This has been Smith at his absolute peak within the subcontinent. A masterclass on utilizing your toes in opposition to spin #SLvAus pic.twitter.com/Ncwb12eSnR
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) January 29, 2025
Check century quantity 35 for Australia’s talisman Steve Smith 🙌#WTC25 | #SLvAUS 📝: https://t.co/8NKpfnNf96 pic.twitter.com/4Fs0arCu6o
— ICC (@ICC) January 29, 2025
Steve Smith expressing himself whereas at work(batting) is field workplace😂😂 #AUSvsSL
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) January 29, 2025
SMITHY YOU BLOODY LEGEND!
thirty fifth Check hundred for the GOAT and he does it as captain too! 😍#SLvAUS #STEVESMITH pic.twitter.com/Q0jobQ2a4i
— Lachy (@Lachy_Steele) January 29, 2025
Captain Steve Smith scores a check a whole lot in the identical innings he will get 10,000 runs! Regarded simple as you want. 35 check a whole lot third hundred in SriLanka and again to again sequence 100s right here as nicely, his final 3 months have been unreal!! Again into his sensible finest. #SLvAUS pic.twitter.com/K7HJYMx1YG
— Coach lukas (@lukeR15sky) January 29, 2025
Check century No. 35 for Steve Smith, his numbers as captain is loopy. pic.twitter.com/UcxstlHZjH
— Aakash Sivasubramaniam (@aakashs26) January 29, 2025
STEVE SMITH NOW HAS 6 TEST CENTURIES IN ASIA 3 AGAINST SL 3 AGAINST INDIA
BACK TO NORMAL SERVICE!!! pic.twitter.com/N6KsmFiyOe
— Smudge Period (@SS_49_zone) January 29, 2025
CENTURY FOR THE GOAT🐐 !!!!!!!!
STEVE SMITH SCORED AN INCREDIBLE TON AGAINST SRILANKA !!!!!!!!#AUSvsSL pic.twitter.com/KdhnNIwyZX
— 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐀𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐚 🦘🇦🇺 (@AdvocateMessi) January 29, 2025
