Smith on the verge of 10,000 Test runs as Australia face Sri Lanka

Australia's batting maestro Steve Smith is poised to join the elite 10,000 Test runs club as his team begins their two-match series against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Cricket Stadium on 29 January.

Smith, leading the side in the absence of Pat Cummins, needs just one run to reach the milestone.

With 9,999 runs in 114 matches at an average exceeding 55, the 35-year-old is set to become the 15th player in history—and only the fourth Australian after Ricky Ponting, Allan Border, and Steve Waugh—to achieve the feat.

Smith, however, insisted he would not let the milestone distract him. "Honestly, I'm trying not to think about it too much," Smith told reporters on 28 January. He admitted the weight of the milestone affected him during the fifth Test against India earlier this month, where scores of 33 and four left him tantalisingly short.

"Now it's just about focusing on the job at hand," he said.

Head to open on spin-friendly pitch

Travis Head is set to open the batting in place of 19-year-old Sam Konstas on a Galle pitch expected to favour spinners. Sri Lanka have won 27 of the 46 Tests played at the picturesque venue overlooking the Indian Ocean.

"Travis will bat at the top, but we'll finalise the XI after another look at the pitch tomorrow morning," Smith said. "The wicket has changed a bit since yesterday, so we'll weigh our options."

Smith was also non-committal about wicketkeeper Josh Inglis, who could make his Test debut. "He has solid defence, plays spin well, and scores all around the wicket," Smith said. "If he gets his chance, I'm confident he'll grab it with both hands."

Australia, the world's top-ranked Test team, have already secured a spot in the World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord's in June.

Sri Lanka eye Warne-Murali trophy and WTC boost

Sri Lanka, led by Dhananjaya de Silva, will be aiming to reclaim the Warne-Murali trophy, named in honour of late Australian great Shane Warne and Sri Lankan legend Muttiah Muralitharan.

The hosts have fond memories of defeating Australia 3-0 in 2016, although the last series in 2022 ended 1-1, with both matches played in Galle.

"The last time we won the Warne-Murali Trophy was in 2016, which was also my debut series," de Silva said. "A lot of players from that campaign are still in the mix, and we believe we have what it takes to repeat history."

De Silva added that a 2-0 series victory would secure third place in the World Test Championship standings, calling it "a tremendous achievement."

Injury concerns loom for the hosts, with opener Pathum Nissanka sidelined by a groin injury and de Silva nursing a side strain. Oshada Fernando, a reliable performer in domestic cricket, is likely to step in for Nissanka.

"Pathum is a key player, and we're hopeful he'll be fit for the second Test," de Silva said. "Whoever steps in will have a golden opportunity to make a mark."