Australian batting maestro Steve Smith stands on the brink of an extraordinary milestone as he prepares to lead his side in the opening Test against Sri Lanka in Galle on Wednesday.
Smith, just one run shy of the coveted 10,000 Test runs mark, is poised to become the 15th player in cricket history – and only the fourth Australian after Ricky Ponting, Allan Border, and Steve Waugh – to achieve this feat.
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The 35-year-old, who has scored 9,999 runs in 114 Tests at an average exceeding 55, downplayed the looming milestone, stating his focus is solely on the match.
“Honestly, I’m trying not to think about it too much,” Smith told reporters. Reflecting on his recent outings, Smith admitted that the pressure of the milestone affected him during Australia’s final Test against India, where he scored 33 and four runs, leaving him tantalizingly short of the landmark.
“Now it’s about focusing on the job at hand,” he added.
Adjustments for Galle
With regular skipper Pat Cummins unavailable for the series, Smith will captain Australia on a Galle pitch expected to heavily favor spinners. Travis Head has been confirmed as the opener, replacing 19-year-old Sam Konstas.
“Travis will bat at the top, but we’ll finalize the XI after another look at the pitch tomorrow morning,” Smith said, adding that the surface has changed slightly since the previous inspection.
The Inglis Factor
Smith also hinted at the possibility of wicketkeeper Josh Inglis making his Test debut. The 29-year-old has been in fine form and could play a pivotal role if selected.
“He has solid defense, plays spin well, and scores all around the wicket. If he gets his chance, I’m confident he’ll grab it with both hands,” Smith said.
Stakes for Both Teams
Australia, already confirmed for the World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa at Lord’s in June, will be looking to consolidate their position as the world’s top-ranked Test side.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka, led by Dhananjaya de Silva, will aim to reclaim the Warne-Murali Trophy and secure a 2-0 series win, which would propel them to third place in the WTC standings.
“This series has extra meaning for us,” de Silva said. “The last time we won the Warne-Murali Trophy was in 2016, my debut series. Many players from that squad are still with us, and we believe we can repeat history.”
Injury Concerns for Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka faces challenges with opener Pathum Nissanka ruled out of the first Test due to a groin injury, while captain Dhananjaya de Silva is nursing a side strain.
“Pathum is a key player, and we’re hopeful he’ll be fit for the second Test. Whoever steps in will have a golden opportunity to make a mark,” de Silva said.
Oshada Fernando is the frontrunner to replace Nissanka. Known for his domestic run-scoring consistency, Fernando will look to seize his chance on a ground where Sri Lanka boasts a strong record, winning 27 of 46 Tests.
Recent History
The two sides last clashed in a Test series in 2022, also in Galle, which ended in a 1-1 draw. However, Sri Lanka’s dominant 3-0 victory in 2016, which marked de Silva’s debut, remains a benchmark the hosts are eager to replicate.
With history, milestones, and high stakes on the line, the Galle opener promises to be a thrilling contest between two competitive teams.
