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Sri Lanka is set to host Australia for a two-match Test series starting January 29, 2025, followed by a two-match ODI series. In the absence of regular captain Pat Cummins, Steve Smith will lead the Australian side, with Sean Abbott joining the squad as his replacement. The hosts boast a formidable lineup, retaining the key players who recently secured a series victory against New Zealand at home.
Their experienced batting order, especially in the middle and lower-middle positions, is expected to challenge the Australian bowlers. Australia has included newcomers Sam Konstas and Nathan McSweeney, along with all-rounders Cooper Connolly and Beau Webster, and has selected three spinners to adapt to Sri Lankan conditions. Winning the toss and batting first will be crucial, as the pitch is anticipated to favor spinners in the later stages of the match.
Match Details
| Match | Date | Venue | Time (Local) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | January 29 – February 2, 2025 | Galle International Stadium, Galle | 10:00 AM |
| 2nd Test | February 6 – 10, 2025 | Galle International Stadium, Galle | 10:00 AM |
Sri Lanka Team Preview
Sri Lanka enters this series after a challenging tour in South Africa, where they suffered significant defeats in both Tests. The batting lineup struggled abroad but is expected to perform better in familiar home conditions. Openers Pathum Nissanka and Dimuth Karunaratne will aim to provide solid starts, while seasoned campaigners like Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, and Kamindu Mendis are pivotal in the middle order. The bowling attack offers variety, with left-arm orthodox spinner Prabath Jayasuriya being a consistent wicket-taker. Pacers Asitha Fernando and Lahiru Kumara, along with Vishwa Fernando, add depth to the bowling unit. Playing on home turf, Sri Lanka will look to leverage their spin resources and experienced batting to challenge the Australians.
Australia Team Preview
Australia arrives with confidence after securing a spot in the World Test Championship final by defeating India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Despite the absence of Pat Cummins, the team retains its core strength. Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne are expected to anchor the batting lineup, with Usman Khawaja partnering with Travis Head at the top, the latter promoted due to his proficiency against spin. All-rounder Beau Webster has shown promise with both bat and ball, adding balance to the side. The bowling attack features pacers Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland, who are anticipated to trouble the Sri Lankan top order. Spinners Nathan Lyon and Todd Murphy will play crucial roles on spin-friendly pitches. Australia’s adaptability to subcontinental conditions will be key to their success in this series.
Sri Lanka Squad
- Dimuth Karunaratne (c)
- Pathum Nissanka
- Kusal Mendis
- Angelo Mathews
- Dinesh Chandimal
- Dhananjaya de Silva
- Kamindu Mendis
- Ramesh Mendis
- Prabath Jayasuriya
- Asitha Fernando
- Lahiru Kumara
- Vishwa Fernando
- Nishan Madushka
- Kasun Rajitha
- Praveen Jayawickrama
Australia Squad
- Steve Smith (c)
- Usman Khawaja
- Travis Head
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Sam Konstas
- Beau Webster
- Alex Carey (wk)
- Josh Inglis (wk)
- Mitchell Starc
- Scott Boland
- Nathan Lyon
- Todd Murphy
- Matthew Kuhnemann
- Sean Abbott
- Cooper Connolly
- Nathan McSweeney
Fantasy Team XI
| Position | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Batsman | Steve Smith (c) | Australia |
| Batsman | Marnus Labuschagne | Australia |
| Batsman | Dimuth Karunaratne | Sri Lanka |
| Batsman | Angelo Mathews | Sri Lanka |
| All-rounder | Dhananjaya de Silva | Sri Lanka |
| All-rounder | Beau Webster | Australia |
| Wicketkeeper | Alex Carey | Australia |
| Bowler | Prabath Jayasuriya | Sri Lanka |
| Bowler | Nathan Lyon | Australia |
| Bowler | Mitchell Starc | Australia |
| Bowler | Asitha Fernando | Sri Lanka |
Pitch Report
The Galle International Stadium pitch traditionally offers assistance to batsmen in the initial days, with spin becoming a significant factor as the match progresses. Historically, teams batting first have found success here, with the average first innings score around 369 runs. As the surface deteriorates, batting in the third and fourth innings becomes challenging due to increased turn and variable bounce. Captains winning the toss are likely to opt to bat first to capitalize on the favorable early conditions.
Weather Forecast
For the first Test in Galle, starting January 29, 2025, the weather is expected to be mostly cloudy with occasional rain showers
Match Prediction
Australia to win
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