Usman Khawaja overcame a period of poor performance by achieving a remarkable maiden Test double century during Australia's first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. At 38 years of age, he has become the oldest Australian to reach this milestone in 77 years. He is now the second oldest Australian to accomplish this feat, following the legendary Don Bradman, who recorded his final double century against India in January 1948 in Adelaide.

Khawaja's innings spanned nearly eight hours, showcasing his resilience. His previous highest score was 195 not out against South Africa in Sydney in 2023. Although he was caught behind at 74, the umpire ruled it not out, and the Sri Lankan team opted not to challenge the decision. Additionally, he was dropped on 90 by Kusal Mendis.

Khawaja, alongside captain Steve Smith, who became the 15th player in history and only the fourth Australian to surpass 10,000 Test runs on Day 1, established a record partnership of 266 runs for the third wicket. This surpassed the previous record of 200 runs set by Adam Gilchrist and Damien Martyn in Kandy in 2004.

Return to form for Khawaja

This performance follows a rather unremarkable 2024 for Khawaja. He recorded an average of merely 20.44 over 10 innings in the Border Gavaskar Trophy, managing to surpass fifty runs only twice in Test matches throughout the year. Despite this, Khawaja appeared relatively unfazed by his struggles at the conclusion of the series, which Australia won 3-1, thereby securing their place in the World Test Championship Final. Australia is now aiming to clinch the title for the second consecutive time.

Khawaja attributed his difficulties in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy primarily to India's pace sensation, Jasprit Bumrah. "To be honest, I was just getting Bumrah-ed," Khawaja remarked to ABC Sport following Australia's victory in the BGT in Sydney. "It was incredibly challenging. It was tough work. People were asking me 'what's going on?' I'm being honest, I'm just getting Bumrah-ed." Bumrah concluded the series as the leading wicket-taker, claiming 32 wickets at an average of 13.06, and was rightfully awarded Player of the Series.

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