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.

The 35-year-old, captaining the side in the absence of Pat Cummins, needed just one run in Galle to reach the milestone in Galle.

Steve Smith becomes fourth Australian and only 15th player in history to reach 10,000 Test runs; Australia in commanding position on 330-2 at stumps on day one in Galle after Smith (104 not out) and U

Steve Smith has revealed he won't be able to throw during the first cricket Test against Sri Lanka due to the elbow injury he recently suffered in the BBL. There was some concern that Smith wouldn't be able to play in Galle after injuring his right elbow while throwing the ball during a game for the Sydney Sixers earlier this month.

Steve Smith scored his 10,000th test run to put him in elite cricket company and Australia was 145-2 after winning the toss and batting Wednesday in the first test against Sri Lanka. Smith needed only one run Wednesday to achieve the milestone,

Dinesh Chandimal has scored an unbeaten 63 as Sri Lanka struggled to 136-5 at lunch on Day 3 in reply to Australia's imposing first innings of 654 in the first cricket test.