Australia have not played a single match of the current WTC campaign outside the SENA countries. In other words, they have reached the final while playing only in home-like conditions. While it would be too cruelly imprudent to say they extracted any sort of unfair advantage from the scheduling, a series at a venue polar opposite to their comfort zone could serve as the perfect cap to their extraordinary journey. And what better venue to test their skills than Galle itself, whose raging, unfathomable track will pose a challenge for Australia, who have largely relied on Nathan Lyon and part-timers for spin duties—more as a nicety than a necessity?
Sri Lanka have had a decent WTC campaign this time. Not long ago, they were in the hunt to reach the final as well but, unfortunately, fell short of replicating their home mojo in away conditions. Their best shot, and perhaps a weird flex, would be to give Australia, the finalists, a hard time in these two Test matches. Incidentally, that would also be the best preparation the Aussies could hope for before boarding their flight to London.
Team Overview:
The last time Australia played a Test in Galle, Prabath Jayasuriya made his debut and vanquished the visitors by taking a total of 12 wickets. Since then, his love affair with Galle has only grown. The off-spinner has taken 10 five-wicket hauls so far, eight of which have come at this very venue. To Australia’s chagrin, he is hardly the only spinner capable of wreaking havoc in the Sri Lankan lineup. There is Nishan Peiris, who took nine wickets on his debut at Galle just a few months ago. And not to forget their seamers, who have recently started following in the footsteps of the spinners. Although Sri Lanka’s batters have shown grit in the recent past, the absence of the injured Pathum Nissanka will not be an easy void to fill.
Steve Smith is ready to captain the side as the stand-in for Pat Cummins, who is away for the birth of his child. While Sam Konstas did a decent job in the opening spot against India in the last two Tests, Australia have confirmed that Travis Head will take his place. Usman Khawaja, despite his subpar outings with the bat last year, is likely to continue his role as the team’s opener. Australia have three frontline spinners—Nathan Lyon, Todd Murphy, and Matthew Kuhnemann. Although Kuhnemann’s inclusion had been uncertain following his non-bowling hand thumb surgery, he is likely to play in the first Test. Beau Webster was seen practicing his spin skills at an optional training session on Monday, suggesting he could come in as Australia’s makeshift spin all-rounder. Mitchell Starc is likely to be the only pacer in the team for the first Test.
Head-to-Head Matches:
Australia are miles ahead of Sri Lanka when it comes to their head-to-head record. The Aussies have won 20 out of the 33 Test matches played between the two teams. Eight games ended in a stalemate, leaving Sri Lanka with only five wins to their name.
Weather and Pitch Report:
Galle is known for its spin-friendly tracks, but the pitch usually starts as a decent batting surface before deteriorating quickly, bringing spinners into play. There are forecasts of rain during the game, but it is unlikely to be too disruptive. The toss-winning captain will look to bat first and put up a strong first-innings score.
Where to Watch:
Australia: Channel 7, 7+ App, Kayo, FoxTel
Pakistan: Tapmad
India: SonyLiv
