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 Usman Khawaja struck a maiden double hundred and Josh Inglis got a century on his test debut against Sri Lanka to power the tourists to a mammoth 654 for six before they declared their first innings on day two of the opening test on Thursday.

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.

Australia opener Usman Khawaja scored his maiden double hundred in Tests on Day 2 of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. He became the first Australian to achieve the landmark in Sri Lanka.

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.

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,

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.

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.