Sri Lanka will square off against Australia in the first ODI on Wednesday, February 12 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo Australia are coming off a 2-1 ODI loss at the hands of Pakistan, while Sri Lanka suffered an ODI series defeat against New Zealand. Australia will get two ODIs to prepare ahead of the Champions Trophy. The first ODI is set to be a day game, with the match starting from 10:00 IST.
As for teams are concerned, Australia are slightly depleted with several of their players missing due to injury. Also, Marcus Stoinis has retired from ODIs, and Australia's middle order suddenly looks vulnerable. In the absence of Pat Cummins (out with ankle injury), Steven Smith will lead the team. Bowling attack will be lead by Mitchell Starc, with Sean Abbott, Spencer Johnson, Aaron Hardie, and Ben Dwarshuis giving him company.
On the other hand, Sri Lanka have assembled a strong squad, with Charith Asalanka leading the team. The batting looks strong in the presence of Kusal Mendia, Pathuum Nissanka, and Avishka Fernando.
SL vs AUS 1st ODI Pitch Report
The first SL vs AUS 1st ODI will be played at the iconic R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The surface is a spinner's paradise as the bowl will grip, turn, and bounce especially in the second half of the game. Chasing is not recommended at this ground as the batters will not be able to attack from the outset. 231 is the average first innings score on this ground.
SL vs AUS 1st ODI Weather Report
Rain is not expected to play spolisport as climate will be hot and sunny in Colombo during the match day. The temperature is set remain between 30 to 35 degrees. The temperature in the evening is set to cool down and will likely hover 25 degrees.
SL vs AUS 1st ODI: Playing XI Prediction
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (c), Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Chamidu Wickramasinghe, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando
Australia: Matt Short, Travis Head, Steve Smith (c), Josh Inglis (wk), Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Cooper Connolly, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Tanveer Sangha, Spencer Johnson
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