SL vs AUS | 2nd Test | Day 1 | Smith and Labuschagne steal the show to put Australia in a commanding position

Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne have helped Australia dominate Day 1 of the second Test fixture against Sri Lanka at Galle on July 8. Both batters slammed respective centuries to help Australia finish on 298/5. 

Sri Lanka handed over Test debut caps to Maheesh Theekshana, Kamindu Mendis, and Prabath Jayasuriya ahead of this game. On the other hand, there were no changes in Australia's line-up. 

The Pat Cummins-led side won the toss and opted to bat first. However, in the fifth over of the innings, opener David Warner was completely beaten by the out-swinger of Kasun Rajitha to get bowled for five off 13. 

Usman Khawaja continued his rich vein of form on Asian pitches and provided a stable start to the visitors. He, unfortunately, could not convert his start into a big one after being undone by a sharp ball from Mendis, which rattled his off-stump after a well-made 37 off 77 balls. 

Australia's premier red-ball batters, Smith and Labuschagne, looked comfortable in the middle, as the pitch did not provide enough purchase to spinners, unlike the first fixture. Niroshan Dickwella, the wicket-keeper, missed the stumping chance of Labuschagne when he was on 28. 

It was a balanced session until Lunch, with the Australian team at 99/2. However, the second session was owned by both batters, which witnessed them playing perfectly timed pull shots and drives and tiring out the bowlers. 

Soon, Labuschagne reached his seventh red-ball century. Interestingly, this was also his first Test hundred away from home and the maiden ton on Asian soil. Furthermore, the 28-year-old batter passed the milestone of 2500 runs in the longest format as well. 

However, at the stroke of Tea, the Queensland-batter Labuschagne was stumped for 104 off 156 balls off Jayasuriya, which was his maiden red-ball wicket.

Smith brought up his 28th Test century and equalled Joe Root's record. 

It was also his first ton after 18 months since his last one against India in Sydney. In addition, the former Australian skipper became the third-fastest to reach 28 centuries in just 153 innings. 

The highlight of Smith's innings was his superlative placement and top-notch footwork. Unfortunately, the middle-order batters, Travis Head (12) and Cameron Green (4) could not hold the fort and were dismissed by the debutant Jayasuriya. 

At the end of Day 1's play, Australia are at 298/5, with Smith unbeaten at 109, and Carey is on 16*. 

Sri Lanka will have to make further inroads in the morning session of Day 2. Otherwise, the visitors will have complete control of the match proceedings. 

Brief Scores: 

Australia (1st innings) - 298/5 (90)

Steve Smith 109* (212), Marnus Labuschagne 104 (156);

Prabath Jayasuriya 3/90