Khawaja double and Inglis ton lead Australia to 654/6 as Steven Smith declared the innings midway through the final session.
Khawaja double leads Australia to a formidable first-innings total of 654 for 6 before declaring late on day two in Galle.
With all-rounder Beau Webster, who can bowl seam and spin, Starc will take the new ball as Australia’s only frontline quick. Along with left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann, Australia’s assault also includes offspinners Nathan Lyon and Todd Murphy.
Khawaja had earlier fallen early in the second session, which was dominated by Inglis, who became the first Australian rookie to score a Test century since his Western Australia coach, Adam Voges, did so in 2015. Khawaja had concluded with 232 off 352 balls.
With his ecstatic parents clearly in tears on the terraces, Inglis, who was born in England, reached his century off just 90 balls, leaped high, and then punched the air. On his Test debut in Asia, he became the third Australian to score a century, after Shaun Marsh and Michael Clarke.
By either rocking back deep into the crease or skipping down the track, Inglis demonstrated his skill against spin with decisive footwork. Having recently captained Australia in both ODI and T20I cricket, his aggression and maturity further demonstrated why the selectors were eager to include him in the squad.
Before falling on 102 after facing 94 balls, Inglis, the wicketkeeper for Western Australia who plays as a specialist batsman, celebrated his milestone with Carey at the crease.
When rain forced an Australia declaration at the SCG in 2023, Khawaja had already achieved his greatest Test score, surpassing his 195 not out against South Africa.
On a slow surface with oppressive humidity, Australia has fully benefited from winning a favourable toss and batting first.
After missing a reverse sweep and getting hit on the back leg, Inglis was out lbw on 58 off Peiris. However, he went back right after and the judgement was reversed after he discovered a nick on the bat’s underside.
Unfazed, Inglis persisted in his assault, but Khawaja’s unstoppable run came to an end when Jayasuriya gave wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis an edge.
As Jayasuriya’s efforts were once again rewarded, Inglis reached his ton with a push through the off-side before making a straightforward catch to cover.