Six and in - Australia's half-a-dozen year wait to retour Sri Lanka ceases
Written by Ben McCure
The Australian Men’s cricket team is ready to embark on its next sub-continental challenge, as they prepare to face Sri Lanka in three T20’s, five ODI’s this month, before playing two Test matches that stretch out into July.
Although reports suggest some within the touring party have raised concerns of the ongoing economic crisis and political unrest in Sri Lanka, the Aussies’ first tour there since 2016 will proceed.
Following the successful tour of Pakistan, it signals the start of a defining period in Australian cricket, with Andrew McDonald’s coaching career beginning ahead of a jam-packed international schedule.
The newly appointed head coach will be looking to build on his strong performance in an interim capacity, which proved to be influential in earning him the role.
However, his impact will have to wait just a little bit longer, as McDonald recovers from COVID-19.
He will miss at least the first of the white-ball games in Colombo.
Despite reports that all limited over fixtures would be changed to daytime due to power cuts and fuel shortages in the country, broadcasters had the final say and requested for the fixtures to stay as originally planned.
The T20 component of the tour shapes as a crucial part in Australia’s road to the T20 World Cup on home soil later this year, as they prepare to defend their world title.
Expectations are much higher than previous years for Australia's T20 side, after their World Cup triumph in 2021 - Photo credit: Unknown
With the exception of Adam Zampa and Pat Cummins, the tourists have selected a full-strength squad for the series.
Conditions will determine the make-up of the side; specifically, whether they will opt for two spinners or three quicks, meaning an increased reliance on all-rounders.
The T20’s kicks off at 11:30pm AEST tonight in Colombo, which will host the first two games, before moving to Kandy for the last T20 and first two ODI’s.
In the ODI series, Australia will have an eye on the format’s World Cup in India next year, with the experience of playing in similar conditions to be invaluable for their preparation.
The tour will conclude with two Test matches in Galle, a venue that typically favours spinners, but has also seen standout performances from quicks in the past.
Only last year did England veteran James Anderson take 6/40 in the 1st innings on the Poms’ tour of Sri Lanka.
The success of pace bowlers extends to Australia’s last tour of Sri Lanka six years ago too, in the form of Mitchell Starc.
Starc raises the ball after one of his best ever Test matches with the ball, in Sri Lanka 2016 - Photo credit: Ishara S. Kodikara
The left-arm quick finished with 11 wickets for the match last time around in Galle - a record that will have him feeling confident this time around.
His presumed selection then raises an interesting discussion around how Australia’s bowling line-up will look for the first Test match.
Australia may choose to stick with Mitch Swepson and play two spinners just like their last two matches in Pakistan, meaning quick Josh Hazelwood could miss selection for a third Test in a row.
In Pakistan, the top six batters all contributed at various times, and appear reasonably settled leading into Sri Lanka.
Usman Khawaja will be looking to continue his phenomenal form, after scoring 751 runs and four centuries in his nine innings since returning to the Test side.
As for star player Travis Head, it will be a significant series in the context of his career.
The 28-year-old is yet to establish himself consistently outside of Australia, particularly in turning conditions.
It's a big tour for Australian star Travis Head - Photo credit: AFP
In his 12 innings overseas, he has scored 259 runs with only one half-century to his name.
However, it feels like only a matter of time before he starts converting performances like those we saw last summer in the Ashes, to away tours.
It promises to be an entertaining month abroad ahead of an exciting time in Australian cricket.
There will be no shortage of action, with Australia A also touring Sri Lanka in a series being played concurrently.
Featuring Faulks Guest #8 Todd Murphy will be making his Australia A debut in the series, on the back of a quality last 18 months for state side Victoria.