The 2025 Australia tour of Sri Lanka is underway, and contrary to expectations of a trial by spin for the visitors, the Aussies have taken firm control of the first Test in Galle. Star batter Steve Smith notched up his 35th Test century, but it was Usman Khawaja who stole the show with a historic double century, reinforcing Australia’s authority over the hosts.
Usman Khawaja’s record-breaking knock
Khawaja’s unbeaten 204 not out (at Lunch on Day 2) has etched his name into the record books, making him only the third batsman in the 21st century to register a Test double century after turning 38. The experienced left-hander now finds himself in elite company alongside West Indies’ Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Pakistan’s Younis Khan, who achieved similar milestones in 2012 and 2016, respectively.
Chanderpaul’s unbeaten 203 against Bangladesh came at the age of 38 years and 89 days, while Younis smashed 218 against England at 38 years and 256 days. Khawaja now becomes the 12th player in Test history to achieve this feat beyond the age of 38, joining cricketing greats like Don Bradman, Jack Hobbs, Graham Gooch and Vinoo Mankad.
With his incredible innings, Khawaja has once again proven his value as one of Australia’s most reliable batters in Test cricket. His knock has given the visitors a commanding position in the match, leaving Sri Lanka struggling to contain the relentless Australian charge.
Here are the reactions of fans:
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
🚨 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
Usman Khawaja became the 2nd oldest Australian to score a double century in Test cricket at 38 years, just behind the legendary Don Bradman, who scored a double century at 39. pic.twitter.com/ttn09kCMpm
— Vijay Anaparthi (@VijayCricketFan) January 30, 2025
The first Test double by an Australian batter in Sri Lanka…!!
Take a bow, Usman Tariq Khawaja. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/AoyzjTA6Mw
— Nawaz 🇵🇰 (@Rnawaz31888) January 30, 2025
And there it is! 💯💯👏👏
Double Hundred for Usman Khawaja which came in 290 balls including 16 fours and 1 six against Sri Lanka in the 1st Test in Galle. 🫡
What a legend, What a player! 🇦🇺🐐#UsmanKhawaja #SLvAUS #SLvsAUS pic.twitter.com/kR9BjkpuDA
— Saabir Zafar (@Saabir_Saabu01) January 30, 2025
Usman Khawaja is the 3rd oldest batter to score a Test double hundred in the 21st century 👊🏏#Cricket #SLvAUS #YounisKhan #ShivnarineChanderpaul #UsmanKhawaja @Uz_Khawaja pic.twitter.com/IH5zdglCEt
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 30, 2025
Usman Khawaja becomes 14th oldest Test player to hit a double hundred.
Here is the full List#AUSvSL #SLvAUS #Khawaja #Usman pic.twitter.com/uGKekEcqT0— Manish (@Money_sh_) January 30, 2025
What a spectacular double ton by Usman Khawaja.
The kind of comeback knock he was waiting for.
Truly magnificent 🫡#SLvAUS— IPL (@WatchIPLvideos) January 30, 2025
First Double hundred in Test cricket for Usman Khawaja 🏏👊#Cricket #UsmanKhawaja #SLvAUS pic.twitter.com/UTiIvF2Xtu
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 30, 2025
What a way to answer your critics. After getting Bumrah-ed in BGT, Usman Khawaja has found his mojo back with an unbeaten double century. What a knock from people’s champ #AUSvSL pic.twitter.com/pOjbm5jUB0
— U M A R (@Agrumpycomedian) January 30, 2025
First Double Hundred For Usman Khawaja pic.twitter.com/FiLl3anNTL
— زماں (@Delhiite_) January 30, 2025
Usman Khawaja at 38+, scoring a magnificent 200+ in a Test match, is a testament to his class, patience, and hunger for runs. A timeless cricketer delivering yet another masterclass!
— Dheeraj Singh (@Dheerajsingh_) January 30, 2025
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