Australia’s stand-in skipper and veteran batter Steven Smith has backed Usman Khawaja to retain his spot as an opener for the upcoming Ashes series against England, following Khawaja’s outstanding performance in Australia’s dominant victory over Sri Lanka. Khawaja, who had faced a slump in form during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India, made a remarkable comeback in the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle.

His maiden Test double century was the highlight of Australia’s innings, playing a crucial role in their emphatic win by an innings and 242 runs. Speaking after the match, Smith praised the 38-year-old batter for defying age with his consistency and resilience, stating that his performance solidified his case for the Ashes.

“He’s still batting exceptionally well and age is only a number…He’s still doing everything right, he’s catching well in the slips, he’s a senior figure. He’s batting really well. I’m not a selector, but I’m sure as long as he wants to play then I’m happy with him there for sure,” Smith said.

Smith even highlighted how facing the likes of India’s Jasprit Bumrah is as tough a challenge can get for a Test batter, reasoning Khawaja’s off-form in the Border Gavaskar Trophy.

“Batting at the top of the order at the moment, particularly in Australia, is as hard as I’ve seen in my career. The amount of seam movement, and you throw into that he’s facing Jasprit Bumrah throughout the summer with a brand-new ball, fresh every time. There’s probably not a much bigger threat in world cricket at the moment or almost ever,” he added.

While Khawaja stole the limelight with his double hundred, Smith himself had a significant role in Australia’s triumph. Leading the side in the absence of regular skipper Pat Cummins, he played a crucial knock of 141 off 251 balls, a landmark innings that also saw him surpass the 10,000-run mark in Test cricket. His leadership and batting masterclass ensured Australia’s commanding display against the hosts.

Australia’s dominant performance in Galle further extends their stronghold in Test cricket. Fresh off their Border-Gavaskar Trophy triumph over India, the series against Sri Lanka is shaping up as an ideal platform to fine-tune their squad for the upcoming World Test Championship Final against South Africa.

With Khawaja’s resurgence, Australia’s batting lineup looks formidable, and Smith’s endorsement further cements his place at the top of the order. As the Ashes loom closer, the Aussies will be keen on maintaining their momentum, ensuring that their experienced players, including Khawaja and Smith, continue to lead from the front in their quest for another Test glory.