Australia are set to embark on a challenging tour of Sri Lanka, featuring a two Tests followed by a two-match ODI series. With regular captain Pat Cummins unavailable, Steve Smith will take the reins as Australia’s skipper for the Tests.
The visitors head into the series riding high on their impressi🌌ve 3-1 victory over India in the recent Borderඣ-Gavaskar Series, a triumph that also secured their spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 final.
The Test series is expected to be played on spin-friendly pitches, with both teams preparing for conditions that favour slow bowlers. Australia has made several changes to their squad to adapt to the expected rank-turners. In the absence of key players like Cummins, Mitchell Marsh and Josh Hazlewood, all-rounder Sean Abbott has been included to bolster the team’s balance.
Additionally, former Australia U19 Cricket World Cup captain Cooper Connolly has earned his maiden Test squad call-up, while Nathan McSweeney returns after missing the Melbourne and Sydney Tests against India. Spinners Matt Kuhnemann and Todd Murphy have also been recalled, highlig🍒hting Australia’s focus on countering Sri Lanka’s spin-heavy attack.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will loo𒅌k to leverage their home advantage and exploit the conditions with thei♍r experienced spinners. The hosts will aim to put up a strong fight against an Australian side that has been in dominant form recently. The series promises to be a thrilling contest between bat and ball, with both teams eager to make their mark.
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SL vs AUS 2025 Test Series: Fixtures
- 1st Test: January 29 – February 2, Galle International Stadium, 10:00 am local/ 10:00 am IST/ 4:30 am local
- 2nd Test: February 6 – February 10, Galle International Stadium, 10:00 am local/ 10:00 am IST/ 4:30 am local
Squads
Sri Lanka: Dhananjaya de Silva (c), Dimuth Karunaratne, Pathum Nissanka, Oshada Fernando, Lahiru Udara, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Sonal Dinusha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Jeffrey Vanders✤ay, Ni🍌shan Peiris, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Milan Rathnayake
Australia: Steve Smith (c), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Matt Kuhnemann, Marnuꦐs Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Nathan McSweeney, Todd Murphy, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster
Broadcast and Live Streaming details
- India: Sony Sports Network; SonyLiv and FanCode
- Australia: 7Cricket, 7Plus
- Pakistan: Tapmad