Josh Inglis could be Australia's next great batter and possibly a future Test captain after starting his Test career in style following a long apprentice.

It was a debut three years in the making but Josh Inglis made it one to remember with a thrilling century against Sri Lanka to give Australia another selection headache in the lead-up to the World Test Championship.

With Australia in a commanding position during their opening innings against Sri Lanka, Inglis arrived at the crease with no intention of taking things slowly.

Josh Inglis struck a century on debut and Usman Khawaja made 232 as Australia piled the agony on Sri Lanka on Thursday, day two of the first Test. The 38-year-old struck his 16th Test ton on day one and resumed on 147 before becoming the first Australian batsman to make a double ton in Sri Lanka.

Josh Inglis became the first Australian batter in 10 years to hit a hundred on Test debut. The 29-year-old got to his maiden three-figure score in just 90 balls as Australia went past 600 in their first innings.