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The two-match Test series between Sri Lanka and Australia is poised to kick off on Wednesday, January 29, at the Galle International Stadium. This series marks the return of Test cricket to Sri Lanka following their recent defeat against South Africa, and the home team is eager to turn the tide with a strong showing on familiar soil.
Under the leadership of captain Dhananjaya de Silva, Sri Lanka are determined to bounce back from their recent setbacks. The squad has been bolstered by the inclusion of key players such as Kamindu Mendis and Pathum Nissanka, both of whom are expected to play pivotal roles in the team’s performance. Despite lingering injury concerns, the selection of these players underscores Sri Lanka’s commitment to fielding their strongest possible lineup for the series.
Australia, on the other hand, enters the contest with a formidable squad, featuring the likes of Steve Smith, Travis Head and Mitchell Starc among others. The visitors will be looking to capitalize on any vulnerabilities in the Sri Lankan lineup while countering the spin threat posed by the home team.
SL vs AUS: Head-to-Head Record in Tests
Matches played: 33 | Sri Lanka won: 05 | Australia won: 20 | Draw: 08
Test Stats and Records at Galle International Stadium
- Total matches: 46
- Matches won batting first: 25
- Matches won bowling first: 15
- Average 1st Inns scores: 369
- Average 2nd Inns scores: 309
- Average 3rd Inns scores: 239
- Average 4th Inns scores: 159
- Highest total recorded: 704/3 (151 Ov) by SL vs IRE
- Lowest total recorded: 73/10 (28.5 Ov) by RSA vs SL
SL vs AUS: Galle International Stadium Pitch Report
The Galle International Stadium, known for its scenic beauty and spin-friendly pitch, provides a challenging environment for both batsmen and bowlers. While pacers may find early movement, the pitch tends to deteriorate as the match progresses, offering significant turn and uneven bounce. This favors spinners, particularly in the second innings. Teams batting first often have an advantage, and high scores in the first innings are common.
Also READ: SL vs AUS 2025 – Australia’s playing XI for the 1st Test against Sri Lanka (Predicted)
Squads
Sri Lanka: Dimuth Karunaratne, Oshada Fernando, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva (c), Kusal Mendis (wk), Prabath Jayasuriya, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Asitha Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Jeffrey Vandersay, Nishan Peiris, Sonal Dinusha, Lahiru Udara, Milan Priyanath Rathnayake
Australia: Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith(c), Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Sean Abbott, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Nathan McSweeney, Todd Murphy, Cooper Connolly
