Steven Smith backed Usman Khawaja for Australia's Ashes opening spot after his stunning double century against Sri Lanka, praising the veteran batter's resilience and form as Australia fine-tunes preparations for the World Test Championship Final.

Australia’s batters have feasted on Sri Lanka’s bowling, racking up milestones and dominance on a rain-curtailed opening day of the first test in Galle.

Usman Khawaja completed his maiden double century in Tests, which is also the first by an Australian batter in Sri Lanka, leading the visitors to a commanding 475 for 3 at lunch on day two of the first Test against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium.

Usman Khawaja became the first Australian to hit a double century in Sri Lanka during 1st Test match in Galle.

Cricket fans and commentators have savaged the 'pathetic' and 'embarrassing' tactics that Sri Lanka resorted to on the opening day of the first Test against Australia. Steve Smith and Usman Khawaja both made centuries and piled on the runs after Australia won the toss on a flat pitch,

Khawaja joins Donald Bradman as the only two Australians over the age of 38 to hit a double century. It was a slightly smaller Galle crowd to the one that attended day one to see Steve Smith pass 10,000 runs, but the punters nevertheless rose to applaud Khawaja’s double-century under the historic city’s clearest skies of the week.

Usman Khawaja talked about his retirement plan and expressed his desire to feature in Ashes one last time before bowing out of the game

Australia take 15 wickets on day four of the first Test in Galle to send Sri Lanka to defeat by an innings and 242 runs.