Sri Lanka to Host Australia for Two Tests and a One-Off ODI in Early 2025
Australia's last visit to Sri Lanka in 2022 saw a competitive series end in a 1-1 draw, with both teams showcasing their skills in dramatic encounters. In the first Test, Australia claimed victory, but Sri Lanka bounced back in the second match with Prabath Jayasuriya’s impressive debut, where he took 12 wickets, leveling the series.
Sri Lanka has officially confirmed that Australia will tour for two Test matches in Galle, scheduled for late January and early February 2025. This series is poised to be significant for both teams as they vie for a place in the World Test Championship final, alongside a one-off ODI that will serve as preparation for the upcoming Champions Trophy.
The Test matches are set to take place from January 29 to February 2 and February 6 to 10, followed by the ODI on February 13, with the venue yet to be determined. The timing of this tour is crucial, as the performance in the Border-Gavaskar series preceding it may influence both teams' standings and their chances of qualifying for the final at Lord’s in June.
Australia's last visit to Sri Lanka in 2022 saw a competitive series end in a 1-1 draw, with both teams showcasing their skills in dramatic encounters. In the first Test, Australia claimed victory, but Sri Lanka bounced back in the second match with Prabath Jayasuriya’s impressive debut, where he took 12 wickets, leveling the series.
There is a possibility that Australia might be without their captain, Pat Cummins, for part or all of the tour due to the impending birth of his second child. Head coach Andrew McDonald acknowledged this, stating that if Cummins needs to attend to family matters, it would be respected.
The Australian squad is expected to arrive in Sri Lanka on January 20, allowing players with Big Bash League (BBL) commitments to participate until the end of the regular season. McDonald and chief selector George Bailey have indicated a focus on selecting players suited for the challenging Sri Lankan conditions. This could see the inclusion of Glenn Maxwell, while left-arm spinner Matt Kuhnemann is being considered as an option to partner Nathan Lyon, given the historical success of left-arm orthodox spinners in subcontinental conditions.
Former Australian spinner Steve O'Keefe has advised selectors to prioritize red-ball preparation for spinners heading to Sri Lanka, suggesting that they should train with a red ball in between BBL matches to enhance their readiness for the series. O'Keefe's insights reflect a broader strategy aimed at ensuring that Australia fields a competitive spin attack in Sri Lanka.
