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| Travis Head scored 57 runs on Day 1 | Photo: AFP |
Travis Head's aggressive batting on Day 1 of the Galle Test showcased his attacking style, which has been a trademark of his middle-order play. However, this time, he was promoted to the opening slot as part of the team's strategy to put early pressure on Sri Lanka’s bowlers. The move paid off handsomely.
Head, opening the batting, took on the Sri Lankan bowlers right from the second ball of the innings. He raced to a half-century in just 35 balls, and by the time he was dismissed for 57 off 40 balls, Australia had scored 92 runs in 14.3 overs, providing a solid foundation for the team.
Of his 57 runs, a remarkable 46 came from boundaries. His explosive start included three fours off the first over bowled by Asitha Fernando. Head continued to dominate the Sri Lankan bowlers, including Prabath Jayasuriya and Nishan Peiris, displaying his authority on the field.
Head reached his 18th Test half-century in the 12th over of the innings. Sri Lanka had an early chance to dismiss him when Fernando trapped him in front, but Sri Lanka’s captain, Dinesh Chandimal, chose not to review, allowing Head to continue his innings.
Alongside Head, Usman Khawaja also contributed significantly. While Head played with a T20 approach, Khawaja stuck to his ODI style, reaching his own half-century off 71 balls. Together, the pair helped Australia reach 145/2 in 32 overs by the lunch break.
Khawaja remained unbeaten on 65, while Australian captain Steve Smith was on 2. Head was dismissed after contributing a vital 57, and Marnus Labuschagne followed soon after, falling to Jeffrey Vanderse.
Sri Lanka had two more opportunities to dismiss Smith and Khawaja, but they were let off the hook by some missed chances from the fielders. Smith, who came to the crease with 9999 runs in Test cricket, marked his 10,000th run with the very first ball he faced, further highlighting his importance in the match.