Sri Lanka vs Australia – 1st Test Match Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Sri Lanka vs Australia taking place? Wednesday, June 29th, 2022 – 05:30 (UK)
Where is Sri Lanka vs Australia taking place? Galle International Stadium, Galle
What is the expected weather for Sri Lanka vs Australia? 28-29c with sunny intervals and a gentle breeze, but a chance of thundery showers across all five days.
What channel is Sri Lanka vs Australia on? The match will not be televised live in the UK
Where can I stream Sri Lanka vs Australia? This match can be streamed live via the Sri Lanka Cricket YouTube channel.
LAST MEETING
Australia beat Sri Lanka by 336 runs.
THE TEAM NEWS
SRI LANKA
- Coming off the back of sealing a historic ODI series victory over Australia for the first time in 30 years, Sri Lanka now gear up for the first of two Tests in Galle, six years after thrashing the Aussies 3-0 in their last Test series against them on home soil.
- As you would expect in a subcontinent-based Test match, spin will prove a huge factor and Sri Lanka will no doubt be backing on bowling duo Lasith Embuldeniya and Pravin Jayawickrama to play key roles for them.
- After being given a chance in the ODI series following injury to Wanindu Hasaranga, leg-spin bowler Jeffrey Vandersay impressed so much that he has been handed a call-up for this Test squad, whilst Pathum Nissanka could open the batting with captain Dimuth Karunaratne.
AUSTRALIA
- Australia are back playing Test cricket in the subcontinent following their 0-1 victory in the three-match Test series away to Pakistan earlier in 2022, however the pitch in Galle may well prove significantly tougher to bat on.
- On the ground in which he made his international debut, Nathan Lyon returns having established himself as one of the very best spinners in world cricket and he’ll no doubt be hoping for plenty of wickets, but his spin-bowling partner is up for debate with Mitchell Swepson and the recalled Jon Holland both pushing to be given the nod.
- In a much-needed boost for the tourists, left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc is recovering well from a finger injury and should be involved in this first Test, whilst batter Travis Head faces a race against time to prove his fitness following a hamstring injury.
THE PREDICTION
Australia come into this fascinating contest unbeaten in their last eight Test matches, although a buoyant Sri Lanka with home advantage will provide a stern Test for Pat Cummins’ side. When you weigh up the Australian bowling attack led by the potent spin of Lyon, you’d think they have enough quality to take 20 wickets across the game, therefore the key to the whole encounter is whether the tourists’ batting line-up can cope with the Sri Lankan trial by spin. However, Australia have every right to be confident with the likes of Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne among the ranks and provided they deploy a sensible mindset which sees them not give their wickets away cheaply, then Australia look a team worth backing for victory in the first Test of this two-match series.
