Australia’s upcoming tour of Sri Lanka in late January holds significant implications for both teams’ aspirations in the World Test Championship and the Champions Trophy. The two-Test series in Galle could prove pivotal in determining who reaches the final of the World Test Championship at Lord’s in June.
The Tests, scheduled for January 29-February 2 and February 6-10, will be crucial for both Australia and Sri Lanka. Australia, currently ranked third in the World Test Championship standings, needs to perform well in this series to enhance their chances of reaching the final. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, is placed seventh and will be eager to make a statement against a formidable opponent.
The tour also includes an ODI on February 13, which will serve as preparation for the Champions Trophy in Pakistan. Australia will be keen to fine-tune their limited-overs skills ahead of the tournament.
Australia’s last visit to Sri Lanka in 2022 resulted in a 1-1 Test series draw. The visitors won the first Test in dramatic fashion, but Sri Lanka’s Prabath Jayasuriya claimed 12 wickets on debut to level the series in the second Test.
Australia may be without captain Pat Cummins for all or part of the tour due to the birth of his second child. Head coach Andrew McDonald has indicated that they will respect Cummins’ decision if he chooses to miss a Test for family reasons.
The selectors are expected to prioritize red-ball preparation for the spinners selected to support Nathan Lyon. Glenn Maxwell is in contention for a return, while left-arm spinner Matt Kuhnemann could be an option to supplement Lyon. Former Australia spinner Steve O’Keefe has urged the selectors to focus on developing the spinners’ skills in Sri Lankan conditions.
