Kusal Mendis Leads Sri Lanka Against Australia
The series will be a test of strength and skill for both teams, with Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka leading the charge for Sri Lanka, while Australia's Sean Abbott and Cooper Connolly will be looking to make a significant impact. The stage is set for an exciting and closely contested series, with both teams eager to prove their mettle in the one-day format.
Sri Lanka is set to host Australia in a two-match one-day international series starting on February 12, with the home team looking to bounce back from their recent Test series defeat. The Australian squad has undergone significant changes, with several players dropping out due to injury or personal reasons, while Sri Lanka's squad has made only one change from the team that toured New Zealand earlier this year.
The Australian team, featuring Test players Sean Abbott and Cooper Connolly, as well as domestic stars Jake Fraser-McGurk and Ben Dwarshuis, will be looking to capitalize on their recent Test series win. Sri Lanka, led by Charith Asalanka, will rely on experienced players like Kusal Mendis to counter the Australian attack. The first ODI will be broadcast live and free on Channel 7 and the 7plus app, starting at 3:30pm AEDT.
Australia's recent Test series win was marked by impressive performances from Steve Smith and Alex Carey, who scored centuries in the second Test. The Australian bowlers, led by Nathan Lyon, also played a crucial role in securing the win. With this victory, Australia took the top spot in the World Test Championship, with 33 wins. Nathan Lyon reached 550 Test wickets, becoming the third Australian to achieve this feat, and also completed 150 wickets in Asia.
The two-match ODI series will provide an opportunity for both teams to fine-tune their skills and strategies, with Sri Lanka looking to regain their momentum and Australia aiming to continue their winning streak. The series will be Australia's first bilateral two-match ODI series since 1980, making it a historic and exciting encounter for cricket fans.
