Australia tour of Sri Lanka schedule, squads and updates

Australia’s cricket team is currently touring Sri Lanka from late January to mid-February 2025. The tour comprises two Test matches and two One Day Internationals (ODIs).

Revised Schedule

1st Test: January 29 – February 2, 2025, at Galle International Stadium, Galle.
2nd Test: February 6 – 10, 2025, at Galle International Stadium, Galle.
1st ODI: February 12, 2025, at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.
2nd ODI: February 14, 2025, at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.

Initially, the tour included only one ODI, but it was later revised to feature two ODIs.

Key Updates

Captaincy: Steve Smith is leading the Australian side in the Test series, standing in for Pat Cummins, who is unavailable due to personal reasons.
Opening Partnership: Travis Head has been promoted to open the batting alongside Usman Khawaja for the first Test, replacing Sam Konstas. Head’s proficiency against spin, demonstrated during the 2023 tour of India, influenced this decision.
Bowling Strategy: Australia is contemplating deploying multiple spinners, given the spin-friendly conditions in Galle. Nathan Lyon is set to lead the spin attack, with support from either Todd Murphy or Matthew Kuhnemann.

This series is significant for both teams, with the Test matches contributing to the ICC World Test Championship standings. Australia has already secured a spot in the World Test Championship final against South Africa.

The tour also holds symbolic importance, as it marks Australia’s return to Sri Lanka following the nation’s recovery from political and economic challenges in recent years.

Squads:

As of January 29, 2025, the squads for the Australia tour of Sri Lanka are as follows:

Australia Test Squad:

Steven Smith (Captain)
Sean Abbott
Scott Boland
Alex Carey
Cooper Connolly
Travis Head
Josh Inglis
Usman Khawaja
Sam Konstas
Matthew Kuhnemann
Marnus Labuschagne
Nathan Lyon
Nathan McSweeney
Todd Murphy
Mitchell Starc
Beau Webster

Note: Pat Cummins is on paternity leave and recovering from an ankle injury, while Josh Hazlewood is focusing on preparations for the Champions Trophy following a calf injury.

Sri Lanka Test Squad:

Dhananjaya de Silva (Captain)
Kusal Mendis
Dimuth Karunaratne
Angelo Mathews
Dinesh Chandimal
Charith Asalanka
Sadeera Samarawickrama
Ramesh Mendis
Prabath Jayasuriya
Kasun Rajitha
Asitha Fernando
Vishwa Fernando
Dunith Wellalage
Lahiru Kumara
Niroshan Dickwella
Kamindu Mendis

Note: Pathum Nissanka has been ruled out due to a groin strain.

As of January 29, 2025, the squads for the One Day International (ODI) series between Australia and Sri Lanka are as follows:

Australia ODI Squad:

Pat Cummins (Captain)
Alex Carey (Wicketkeeper)
Nathan Ellis
Aaron Hardie
Josh Hazlewood
Travis Head
Josh Inglis
Marnus Labuschagne
Mitchell Marsh
Glenn Maxwell
Matthew Short
Steve Smith
Mitchell Starc
Marcus Stoinis
Adam Zampa

Sri Lanka ODI Squad:

Dhananjaya de Silva (Captain)
Dinesh Chandimal (Wicketkeeper)
Sonal Dinusha
Asitha Fernando
Oshada Fernando
Vishwa Fernando
Prabath Jayasuriya
Dimuth Karunaratne
Lahiru Kumara
Angelo Mathews
Kamindu Mendis
Kusal Mendis (Wicketkeeper)
Pathum Nissanka
Nishan Peiris
Milan Rathnayake
Sadeera Samarawickrama (Wicketkeeper)
Lahiru Udara
Jeffrey Vandersay

These squads have been selected for the two-match ODI series scheduled to take place on February 12 and 14, 2025, at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The series serves as part of Australia’s preparation for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.