Australia are all set to play the 5-match ODI series against Sri Lanka starting on June 14. Here in this article, we talk about Australia vs Sri Lanka Playing XI, team Combinations, and players to watch out for AUS vs SL.
This is Australia’s first visit to Sri Lanka since 2016, but the mighty Australia are making the most out it. They have beaten the host nation by 2-1 in the recently completed T20 series and now they are all charged up to take ODI trophy home. However, Sri Lanka on the other hand, not a weak team either. They have plenty of reliable players in their side who hold the ability to turn the game into their team’s favour.
AUS vs SL Probable Playing XIs:
Australia XI:
Aaron Finch (c), David Warner, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Alex Carey (wk), Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Jhye Richardson, Josh Hazlewood.
Sri Lanka XI:
Pathum Nissanka, Danushka Gunathilaka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Kusal Mendis (wk), Dasun Shanaka (c), Dhananjaya de Silva, Chamika Karunaratne, Dushmantha Chameera, , Maheesh Theekshana, Nuwan Thushara, Wanindu Hasaranga
Team Combinations:
For Australia, The proven opening pair of David Warner and Aaron Finch are all set to start the proceedings followed by Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, and Marcus Stoinis. While the Alex Carey is the perfect wicket-keeper batter to be included in the team.
Pat Cummins will lead the Australian fast bowling department with other interesting fast bowlers Jhye Richardson and Josh Hazlewood, while Ashton Agar will be an ideal choice to use in Sri Lankan conditions.
Pathum Nissanka and Danushka Gunathilaka will lead the openers challenge for Sri Lanka, while the in-form Bhanuka Rajapaksa will be expected to play at No.3, followed by strong middle order consists of the wicket-keeper Kusal Mendis, and the skipper Dasun Shanaka. While the batting and bowling all-rounders Dhananjaya de Silva, Chamika Karunaratne, respectively will take care of the tough overs if they get the chance.
Dushmantha Chameera will a tough bowler to face in initial overs for Australia, while Nuwan Thushara is expected to spot the experienced campaigner. Wanindu Hasaranga, who finished with 26 wickets, the second-highest in the recently concluded IPL along with Maheesh Theekshana will take good care of the spin department for Sri Lanka.
Players to watch out for:
The biggest thread for the Sri Lankan side in the ODI series would be the in-form opening pair of Aaron Finch (114 at 156.16) and David Warner (130 at 149.43), who scored a combined 254 runs in 3 T20 matches with a combined strike rate of over 150 in the recently completed T20I series against Sri Lanka. Apart from the openers, the dependable batters Steve Smith and Marcus Labuschagne and with bat, while Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Ashton Agar can give headache to Sri Lanka in the 1st ODI.
Pathum Nissanka, Dasun Shanaka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Wanindu Hasaranga are the strongest players in the Sri Lanka side.
The second match of the series will be played on June 16 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.
Following a five-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, which begins on June 14, Australia will play two-test series against Sri Lanka, with the first match take place on June 29 in Galle.
