India, Jan. 30 -- Virat Kohli was not mentioned in the conversation as former Australia captain Ricky Pon000ting debated who could be the "best player of this generation." The Aussie legend sided with Steve Smith just moments after he reached the milestone of 10,000 runs in Test cricket, and later notched up his 35th century on Day 1 of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle.

It was a milestone day for Smith in Galle. With a single in the first ball of his knock, he became the 15th player to reach the five-figure landmark in Test cricket, fourth from Australia, joining the likes of Ponting, and joint second-fastest to the feat.

In the final session of the opening day, Smith scored his 35th Test century as he went past Sunil Gavaskar ...