Australia to tour Sri Lanka
A flag is draped over Sri Lanka balcony during play on fourth day of third Test between England and Sri Lanka at Lord's cricket ground in London, on June 12, 2016. PHOTO: AFP
Sri Lanka has confirmed that Australia will visit for two Test matches in Galle early next year, with an additional one-day international (ODI) added as a warm-up for both teams ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy.
The two Tests, scheduled from January 29 to February 2 and February 6 to February 10, could play a decisive role in the race for the World Test Championship final. The ODI will follow on February 13, with the venue to be confirmed.
The 2022 series between the two sides in Sri Lanka ended in a 1-1 draw, with Australia claiming a dramatic first-Test win, and Prabath Jayasuriya turning the tide with a 12-wicket debut performance to help Sri Lanka level the series.
Australia's head coach, Andrew McDonald, acknowledged that team selection for this series would be strategic. Glenn Maxwell and left-arm spinner Matt Kuhnemann are in consideration, given the effectiveness of left-arm orthodox spinners in the subcontinent. McDonald also mentioned the possibility of captain Pat Cummins missing part of the tour due to the expected birth of his second child, saying, "If he's got bigger things to take care of than a Test match in Sri Lanka, then that's fine with us."
Former Australian spinner Steve O'Keefe has encouraged selectors to prioritize red-ball practice for spinners likely to accompany Nathan Lyon to Sri Lanka. He suggested skipping Big Bash League (BBL) games for those spinners in favor of red-ball training to best prepare for the challenges of Sri Lankan conditions.
Following their tour of Sri Lanka, Australia will travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, scheduled to begin shortly after the ODI warm-up.