In a display of cricketing mastery that has become his hallmark, Steve Smith has once again etched his name into the annals of cricket history. On the first day of the opening Test match between Sri Lanka and Australia in Galle, Smith scored his 35th Test century, sending fans into a frenzy and setting the tone for what promises to be an exciting series.

Australia opt to bat first in spin-friendly Galle

The Test match, eagerly anticipated by fans worldwide, kicked off under clear skies in Galle, a venue known for its spin-friendly conditions. Australia won the toss and elected to bat first, a decision that seemed to pay dividends as their openers laid a solid foundation. However, it was Smith’s entry to the crease that truly turned the day’s play into something special.

Steve Smith hits his 35th Test century

Smith, walking out at number 4, faced a Sri Lankan bowling attack led by the wily spinners. Smith’s innings was a masterclass in patience, technique, and temperament. His century came off 165 deliveries, but it was the quality of shots rather than the quantity that captured the imagination of the fans.

He combined classic drives with deft touches, navigating through the spin with an ease that belied the challenges posed by the Galle pitch. His partnership with Usman Khawaja was particularly noteworthy, with the duo adding over 195 runs for the third wicket, solidifying Australia’s position by the end of the day.

Also READ: SL vs AUS 2025: Fans hail Usman Khawaja after his remarkable century on Day 1 of the first Test

Australia in command as rain brings early stumps

By the end of the day, Australia stood strong at 330/2 in 81.1 overs before a drizzle brought the covers on. Smith remained unbeaten on 104, while Khawaja stole the limelight with a commanding 147*. Their efforts have put the visitors in a commanding position heading into Day 2.

Here is how fans reacted:

CAPTAIN, LEADER, LEGEND, STEVE SMITH 🐐

– 35th Test Hundred for the main man of Australia. pic.twitter.com/nh4HFMm9hy

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 29, 2025

Steve Smith now has more Test hundreds than Sunil Gavaskar, Younis Khan, Mahela Jayawardene and Brian Lara.#SLvAUS

— Nic Savage (@nic_savage1) January 29, 2025

The modern day 🐐 https://t.co/BCIxwJMDVL

— Aaron Finch (@AaronFinch5) January 29, 2025

Imposing & imperious from Steve Smith. This has been Smith at his absolute peak in the subcontinent. A masterclass on using your feet against spin #SLvAus pic.twitter.com/Ncwb12eSnR

— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) January 29, 2025

Test century number 35 for Australia’s talisman Steve Smith 🙌#WTC25 | #SLvAUS 📝: https://t.co/8NKpfnNf96 pic.twitter.com/4Fs0arCu6o

— ICC (@ICC) January 29, 2025

Steve Smith expressing himself while at work(batting) is box office😂😂 #AUSvsSL

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) January 29, 2025

SMITHY YOU BLOODY LEGEND!

35th Test hundred for the GOAT and he does it as captain too! 😍#SLvAUS #STEVESMITH pic.twitter.com/Q0jobQ2a4i

— Lachy (@Lachy_Steele) January 29, 2025

Captain Steve Smith scores a test hundreds in the same innings he gets 10,000 runs! Looked easy as you like. 35 test hundreds third hundred in SriLanka and back to back series 100s here as well, his last 3 months have been unreal!! Back into his brilliant best. #SLvAUS pic.twitter.com/K7HJYMx1YG

— Coach lukas (@lukeR15sky) January 29, 2025

Test century No. 35 for Steve Smith, his numbers as captain is crazy. pic.twitter.com/UcxstlHZjH

— Aakash Sivasubramaniam (@aakashs26) January 29, 2025

STEVE SMITH NOW HAS 6 TEST CENTURIES IN ASIA
3 AGAINST SL
3 AGAINST INDIA

BACK TO NORMAL SERVICE!!! pic.twitter.com/N6KsmFiyOe

— Smudge Era (@SS_49_zone) January 29, 2025

CENTURY FOR THE GOAT🐐 !!!!!!!!

STEVE SMITH SCORED AN INCREDIBLE TON AGAINST SRILANKA !!!!!!!!#AUSvsSL pic.twitter.com/KdhnNIwyZX

— 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐀𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐚 🦘🇦🇺 (@AdvocateMessi) January 29, 2025

Also Read: 4 Australian batters with 10,000 plus runs in Test cricket ft. Steve Smith

For latest cricket news & updates, visit CricketTimes.com.