
Courtesy: Google
Right-handed batter Josh Inglis became the 21st Australian to score a debut hundred during the first Test of the two-match series versus Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium on Thursday, January 30. The 29-year-old, who walked out to bat for Australia at 401/3 in their first innings, took the attack to the Sri Lankan bowlers before reaching the three-figure score in just 90 balls, playing a key role for the visitors finishing up at 654/6d.
After the fall of centurion Steve Smith’s wicket in the first session of day two in Galle, Josh Inglis walked out to bat, and joined opener Usman Khawaja at the crease, who was approaching the first double hundred in his Test career. These two batters shared a 146-run stand for the fourth wicket, during which Khawaja went past the coveted double hundred milestone, while Inglis had reached his fifty on Test debut for Australia as well.
Josh Inglis is 118th Test cricketer to score hundred on debut
With Alex Carey at the other end for company, Josh Inglis finally crossed the three-figure mark in his first innings as a Test cricketer before getting dismissed for 102 runs in 94 balls, which included 10 fours and one maximum. Apart from being the 21st Australian to score a debut Test hundred, he also became the 118th batter in the 147-year history of the longest format to reach the milestone moment in his first match.
Australia eventually went past 650 runs before declaring their first innings in the final session on day two, and then, they reduced SrI Lanka to 44/3 at stumps. During an interview at the close of play on day two, Josh Inglis was quoted as saying, as per ESPNcricinfo, “I don't reckon it has quite sunk in. Really special day. Something I'm really proud of. Getting a boundary first ball is always nice. I've been around this group for a while now... it's always nice to have your family around. Mom and dad made a quick dash. Hundred on debut is special, so I'm really happy.”
On day three of the first Test, Sri Lanka will need their batters to step up big time, to ensure that they stay in the contest against Australia.