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.

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

Usman Khawaja had the time of his life with the bat in the first Test against Sri Lanka notching up his maiden double century. In the process, he also broke Sachin Tendulkar's long-standing record in the island nation before being dismissed for 232 runs.

Usman Khawaja's double century which was coupled with Josh Inglis century helped Australia declare their innings at 654/6 on Day 2 of the first Test against Sri Lanka. Later, Australian bowlers caused

Usman Khawaja etched his name in history by scoring a double century in the first Test against Sri Lanka, which is currently taking place at the scenic Galle Cricket Stadium. Khawaja made 232 runs while Steve Smith and Josh Inglis scored a century as the visitors posted a huge total of 654 on the board.

Australia opener Usman Khawaja scored his maiden double century in the longest format of the game during the first session of the second day of the ongoing first Test against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium on Thursday.