Steve Smith had an incredible day in Galle on Wednesday during the first Test against Sri Lanka. He hit the milestone of 10,000 runs with his very first ball, making him the 15th player in Test history to achieve this. Smith then went on to score a century, helping Australia to a solid 330 for two by the end of the first day.

Leading the team in place of Pat Cummins, Smith formed a strong partnership with opener Usman Khawaja, putting together an impressive 195 runs for the third wicket. The Sri Lankan team struggled, dropping catches, missing a run-out opportunity, and messing up reviews.

Both Smith and Khawaja reached their centuries during this partnership. For Smith, it marked his 35th century, surpassing Indian great Sunil Gavaskar (34) on the all-time list, alongside Younis Khan, Mahela Jayawardene, and Brian Lara.

Smith achieved this milestone in just 205 innings, making him the third fastest to reach it, following Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar (200 innings) and former Australian captain Ricky Ponting (194). With 35 centuries, he is tied for the second-most tons scored after 205 Test innings, matching Sachin's record, while only Ponting, with 36 centuries, remains ahead.

Australia takes the lead after Day 1

Australia found themselves in a strong position at the end of Day 1 in Galle, thanks to a solid two centuries. Travis Head, celebrating his rise in the batting order, smashed a fierce 57 after Smith opted to bat first. Stepping in for Sam Konstas as Khawaja's opening partner, Head wasted no time, hitting Asitha Fernando, the only seamer in Sri Lanka's spin-heavy lineup, for three boundaries in the first over.

He reached his fifty in just 35 balls during the second session but was eventually dismissed by left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya. Marnus Labuschagne contributed 20 runs before being taken out by leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay. After that, Smith and Khawaja took control of the game.

Australia, already set for the World Test Championship final against South Africa in June, decided to rest a few key players.