Australia are set to play a short two-match ODI series against Sri Lanka at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, with matches scheduled for Wednesday (February 12) and Friday (February 14).
Two-match ODI series in Colombo as final preparation for Champions Trophy
Initially, the series was planned as a one-off match, serving as a warm-up before the Champions Trophy 2025. However, both cricket boards agreed to add another game, providing both teams an additional opportunity to fine-tune their squads before heading to Pakistan for the marquee tournament starting February 19.
This series is particularly crucial for Australia, who have already asserted their dominance by winning the Test series in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Nevertheless, transitioning to the 50-over format comes with its own set of challenges, especially with injuries derailing their plans.
Injury woes disrupt Australia’s plans
Australia’s preparations for the Champions Trophy 2025 have taken a major hit due to a string of injuries to key players. Mitchell Marsh, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Marcus Stoinis have all been sidelined, forcing the team management to rethink their approach just days before the tournament begins. This setback leaves three – potentially four – first-choice players missing from their Champions Trophy squad, creating a significant challenge in structuring the team, particularly in the bowling department.
While the top six batters seem relatively stable, Australia’s lower-order composition and bowling attack require serious reconsideration. Losing Cummins and Hazlewood has weakened their pace attack significantly, leaving Mitchell Starc as the only experienced fast bowler in the squad. Meanwhile, the absence of Marsh and Stoinis also disrupts the team’s all-round balance, making selection dilemmas even trickier.
Also READ: Australia’s David Warner predicts the winner of Champions Trophy 2025
Australia’s best playing XI for the two-match ODI series against Sri Lanka
1. Matthew Short
- Role: Top-order batter, part-time off-spinner
- Impact: A dynamic option at the top of the order, he brings an aggressive approach that can put the opposition under pressure early. His ability to play spin well makes him a valuable asset in subcontinent conditions, and he can also contribute with handy off-spin if needed.
- Strength: A clean striker of the ball who can accelerate from the start, providing quick runs in the powerplay. His off-spin adds another bowling option, making him a versatile pick in the XI.
2. Travis Head
- Role: Left-handed opening batter
- Impact: A naturally attacking batter who can take the game away from the opposition in the first 10 overs. His ability to play spin well and his experience in international cricket make him a key player at the top of the order.
- Strength: Strong power-hitter who can dominate pacers and spinners alike, providing a left-hand option at the top that helps balance the lineup. Has played crucial knocks in big tournaments.
3. Steve Smith (c)
- Role: Right-handed middle-order batter, captain
- Impact: The most technically sound batter in the lineup, responsible for stabilizing the innings and playing anchor roles when needed. His leadership brings composure and tactical sharpness.
- Strength: Exceptional against spin, capable of playing long innings under pressure, and one of the best players of the sweep shot. His adaptability allows him to shift gears based on the match situation.
4. Josh Inglis (wk)
- Role: Wicketkeeper-batter, middle-order hitter
- Impact: Provides stability in the middle order and a strong finishing ability. His aggressive style suits high-scoring matches, and his wicketkeeping skills make him a dependable option behind the stumps.
- Strength: Can play both spin and pace well, adapts quickly to different conditions, and has an attacking mindset that can accelerate the scoring rate when needed.
5. Marnus Labuschagne
- Role: Middle-order batter, part-time leg-spinner
- Impact: Plays the role of a stabilizer in the middle overs, ensuring the team doesn’t lose wickets in clusters. His ability to rotate strike and play long innings makes him a crucial presence in the batting order.
- Strength: Excellent against spin, has a strong temperament in pressure situations, and is a reliable fielder. His leg-spin, though occasional, can be useful as a sixth bowling option.
6. Glenn Maxwell
- Role: Batting all-rounder (right-hand bat, off-spin)
- Impact: A match-winner on his day, Maxwell brings explosiveness with the bat, control with the ball, and athleticism in the field. His ability to change the game within a few overs makes him a dangerous player in ODIs.
- Strength: Can play innovative shots, counter-attacks spin with ease, and can be a frontline off-spinner if conditions suit. Also a game-changer in the field with his quick reflexes and direct throws.
7. Cooper Connolly
- Role: Batting all-rounder (left-hand bat, left-arm spin)
- Impact: A young talent who provides an extra bowling option while adding depth to the batting lineup. Can be a middle-order enforcer with his left-handed batting, offering variety in a right-heavy lineup.
- Strength: Plays spin well, has a fearless approach to batting, and can contribute with left-arm spin in conditions that favor slow bowling.
8. Nathan Ellis
- Role: Right-arm fast bowler
- Impact: A key bowler in the death overs, known for his variations and ability to restrict batters in the final stages of an innings. Provides control and can bowl in any phase of the game.
- Strength: One of the best death-over specialists with his well-disguised slower balls and yorkers. Can also bowl effectively with the new ball if needed.
9. Adam Zampa
- Role: Lead leg-spinner
- Impact: Australia’s primary wicket-taking option in the middle overs, capable of breaking partnerships and keeping the run rate under control.
- Strength: A smart leg-spinner with excellent variations, including googlies and flippers. Knows how to set up batters and can be effective in subcontinent conditions.
10. Tanveer Sangha
- Role: Leg-spinner
- Impact: Provides an additional spin-bowling option, which is crucial in Sri Lankan conditions. Offers variation alongside Zampa and can be used strategically based on match-ups.
- Strength: Has good control over his leg-breaks and a deceptive wrong’un. Can be effective against left-handers and is a developing talent in Australia’s spin department.
11. Spencer Johnson
- Role: Left-arm fast bowler
- Impact: Brings left-arm pace variety to the attack, which is crucial for breaking partnerships and creating different angles for batters. Capable of swinging the new ball and bowling effective short-pitched deliveries.
- Strength: Generates good pace and bounce, which can trouble batters in any conditions. Has the ability to bowl sharp bouncers and deliver in the powerplay and middle overs.
