The first Test match between Sri Lanka and Australia is scheduled to commence on January 29, 2025, at the Galle International Stadium in Galle. The match is set to begin at 10:00 AM local time.
Sri Lanka vs Australia 1st Test LIVE LINK 1
Sri Lanka vs Australia 1st Test LIVE LINK 2
Team News:
Sri Lanka: Captain Dhananjaya de Silva is set to lead the team, despite some injury concerns within the squad. Notably, Pathum Nissanka has been ruled out due to a groin strain. Sri Lanka’s spin attack will be spearheaded by Prabath Jayasuriya, aiming to exploit the favorable conditions at Galle.
Australia: Stand-in captain Steve Smith has confirmed that Travis Head will open the batting alongside Usman Khawaja, replacing Sam Konstas. Head’s promotion comes after his impressive performance against spin during the 2023 tour of India. Australia is also considering fielding three spinners, given the spin-friendly conditions expected in Galle.
This series marks Australia’s first Test tour of Sri Lanka since 2022, where the series ended in a 1-1 draw. Both teams will be eager to assert dominance in this crucial series, with significant implications for the World Test Championship standings.