In a remarkable display of skill and endurance, Australian opener Usman Khawaja etched his name into cricket history by scoring his maiden double century in the first Test against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium.
Khawaja's monumental 232-run innings not only anchored Australia's dominant first-innings total but also placed him among an exclusive group of cricketers who have achieved the feat at an advanced age.
The left-handed batter's innings was a masterclass in patience and precision. He surpassed Justin Langer's 166 in Colombo to register the highest individual score by an Australian in Sri Lanka. Additionally, Khawaja became the first Australian to score a double century in Asia since Jason Gillespie's famous 201 not out against Bangladesh in 2006.
Khawaja's achievement also placed him in an elite club of players who have scored double centuries in Test cricket at the age of 38 or older. He joined the legendary Donald Bradman as only the second Australian to accomplish this feat.
As Australia continues their campaign in Sri Lanka, Khawaja's historic knock will be remembered as one of the finest by an Australian batter in Asia. His achievement not only cements his legacy but also inspires future generations to defy age and excel at the highest level of the sport.