The much-anticipated 2025 Australia tour of Sri Lanka is underway and while we thought it would be trial against spin for the Aussies, they’ve stamped their authority on the home team in the 1st Test at Galle. Steve Smith got a 35th career Test century while Usman Khawaja stole the limelight in the first couple of days of the series.
Khawaja’s magnificent double century against on Day 2 of the 1st Test of the tour has etched his name into the annals of Test cricket history. Khawaja joins an exclusive club, becoming only the third batsman in the 21st century to get past the 200-run mark in the longest format of the game, after turning 38 years of age.
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Usman Khawaja double hundred breaks records!
This remarkable innings of 204* (at Lunch on Day 2) not only underscores Khawaja’s enduring class and resilience but also highlights the remarkable longevity of some of cricket’s finest players. There were critics who thought he couldn’t play in Asia, while others believed he was way past his playing days; but he answered them all today.
He joins the ranks of West Indies’ Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Pakistan’s Younis Khan, who scored double centuries at 38 years of age in 2012 and 2016 respectively. Chanderpaul’s 203* against Bangladesh was scored at the age of 38 years 89 days, while Younis scored his double hundred against England, hitting 218 at the age of 38 years 256 days.
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Khawaja’s innings was a masterclass in Test match batting. He displayed immense patience and composure, weathering the Sri Lankan bowlers’ challenges with grit and determination. His innings was a blend of solid defense and exquisite strokeplay, as he punished loose deliveries while remaining resolute against probing spells. This was also his maiden Test double hundred, and 16th test hundred overall.
This double century is a testament to Khawaja’s unwavering commitment to the game. Despite facing numerous challenges throughout his career, he has consistently proven his mettle at the highest level. His innings in Galle is a reminder that age is just a number, and that experience and skill can often trump youthful exuberance.
USMAN KHAWAJA DOUBLE CENTURY
It’s the first of his Test career and the first ever by an Australian in Sri Lanka! pic.twitter.com/6rd10XfKfe
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) January 30, 2025
Khawaja’s achievement is not just a personal milestone but also a significant moment for Australian cricket. He becomes the first Australian batsman to score a double century in Asia since Jason Gillespie’s unforgettable 201 against Bangladesh, which he scored after coming in as a nightwatchman. As Khawaja continues to defy expectations, his story is a reminder of the enduring allure of Test cricket. His double century is a testament to the power of perseverance, and a reminder that greatness can be achieved at any age.
In 2016, @Uz_Khawaja was dismissed twice on the same day in Galle & they said Uzzy can’t play spin & here he is in 2025, dominating spin & becoming the first Australian to score a Test double ton in Sri Lanka. What a story, Usman Khawaja #SLvAus pic.twitter.com/Ow1YaVJmhR
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) January 30, 2025
Overall, he’s become the 12th player to score a Test double century after the age of 38 years, joining a list that includes Eric Rowan, Jack Hobbs, Graham Gooch, Andy Sandham, Don Bradman, Vinoo Mankad, and others. For similar cricketing updates from around the world, remember to always stay tuned to ReadScoops.com.
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