Steven Smith backed Usman Khawaja for Australia's Ashes opening spot after his stunning double century against Sri Lanka, praising the veteran batter's resilience and form as Australia fine-tunes preparations for the World Test Championship Final.

Steve Smith ended with a score of 141 in the first Test against Sri Lanka at Galle International Stadium, Galle. Australia resumed Day 2 on on 330/2 after 81.1 overs were possible yesterday.

Sri Lanka is 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 in Galle.

The 35-year-old, captaining the side in the absence of Pat Cummins, needed just one run in Galle to reach the milestone in Galle.

Here are the highlights of Day 1 of the first Test match between Australia and Sri Lanka played at the Galle International Stadium, Galle on Wednesday, January 29. ( More Cricket News)

Australian cricketer Steve Smith passed 10,000 Test match runs on day one of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, matching Kumar Sangakkara's record.

Steve Smith becomes fourth Australian and only 15th player in history to reach 10,000 Test runs; Australia in commanding position on 330-2 at stumps on day one in Galle after Smith (104 not out) and U

The rainy weather conditions have given Australia a selection problem for the opening test against Sri Lanka starting Wednesday, although one thing seems certain: Travis Head will open the batting.