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.