Cricket Match Prediction | Sri Lanka vs Australia | 1st Test | Jan 29 – Can SL win against AUS?

SL vs AUS Match Analysis

Australia will play a two-match Test series in Sri Lanka, followed by a two-match ODI series. The first Test series match between Australia and host Sri Lanka will start at 10:30 BST on Wednesday, January 29 at Galle International Stadium, Galle, and the players will be hoping to win.

Sri Lanka boasts a formidable squad, with all their key players included, including the stars from their recent series victory against New Zealand at home. The batting lineup is rich in experience and depth, with a strong middle and lower-middle order that could pose a significant challenge for the Australian bowlers to dismiss.

Australia’s squad includes Sam Konstas and Nathan McSweeney, along with all-rounders Cooper Connolly and Beau Webster. To prepare for the conditions in Sri Lanka, they have also brought three spinners as part of their lineup.

SL vs AUS Team Preview & Squads

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka enters this series following a disappointing tour of South Africa, where they suffered heavy defeats in both games against the Proteas. Both their batting and bowling units struggled to seize key moments during the series.

Left-arm orthodox spinner Prabath Jayasuriya will be a crucial player for the hosts, known for his consistent wicket-taking ability and significant impact with the ball. Asitha Fernando and Lahiru Kumara are also dependable bowlers in the squad, and along with Vishwa Fernando, they form a formidable bowling attack with great variety.

The batting lineup underperformed in South Africa but is expected to thrive in familiar home conditions. Pathum Nissanka and Dimuth Karunaratne will lead the charge at the top of the order, with Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Matthews, and Kamindu Mendis anchoring the middle order.

With a blend of experience and youthful talent, SL’s batting lineup appears strong. Combined with their diverse bowling attack, they are poised to present a significant challenge to the visitors.

Sri Lanka Squads

Sri Lanka

Dinesh Chandimal, Oshada Fernando, Lahiru Udara, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Dhananjaya de Silva, Sonal Dinusha, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Prabath Jayasuriya, Lahiru Kumara, Nishan Peiris, Milan Ratnayake, Jeffrey Vandersay.

Australia 

Australia secured their spot in the WTC final with a convincing victory over India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at home. Buoyed by this significant win, they head into this series with confidence, even in the absence of their regular captain, as the core of the squad remains intact.

The team boasts several in-form and promising batters, but this tour will also be a true test for seasoned players like Steven Smith and Marnus Labuschagne. After facing scrutiny following their first home loss to India, senior players are under pressure to deliver.

Usman Khawaja, nearing the end of his career, will need to make a strong impact with big scores to cement his place. Labuschagne, who regained form with a couple of crucial fifties against India, will also be key in navigating subcontinental conditions.

Playing in the subcontinent is always a challenge, and the responsibility will rest heavily on Khawaja, Smith, and Labuschagne to lead with the bat. Beau Webster, who impressed against India with both bat and ball, adds depth to the lineup. His confident stroke play makes him a player to watch. Alex Carey and Josh Inglis, the two keeper-batters in the squad, further strengthen the team.

AUS has brought a solid unit capable of giving the hosts a tough fight. This series presents a different challenge from their previous tours to Sri Lanka. Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland are expected to trouble the Sri Lankan top order with their pace, while Nathan Lyon and Todd Murphy will aim to exploit the turning pitches to put the hosts under pressure.

Australia Squads

Australia

Steven Smith, Travis Head, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Sean Abbott, Cooper Connolly, Nathan McSweeney, Beau Webster, Scott Boland, Matthew Kuhnemann, Nathan Lyon, Todd Murphy, Mitchell Starc.

Sri Lanka vs Australia outfield report

Galle International Stadium

In the 46 Test matches held here, teams that bat first have won 25 of them. Sri Lanka won by an innings and 154 runs the last time they played a Test match here. In the next two days, chasing won’t be simple on this terrain. In this game, both captains will try to bat first. Day 1 of the test is expected to be gloomy, and the next days are predicted to see rain. During the opening few days of the game, the batsmen can benefit from this well-balanced wicket.

SL vs AUS Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches

SL has won two in their last five encounters and AUS has won three.

Sri Lanka vs Australia Prediction

Cricket analysts predict Australia has a 51% chance of winning.

Disclaimer: This cricket prediction is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.