Australia vs Sri Lanka – Match Preview and Predicted Playing XI

Australia kick-off their home summer with a three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka from Sunday. 

The first of the three T20Is will take place at the Adelaide Oval. The remaining two matches will take place on 30th October and 1st of November at the Gabba and MCG respectively. This will be Australia’s first assignment after retaining the Ashes against England in September. 

The likes of David Warner and Steve Smith will be playing the shortest format for the Aussies after a very long time. Even Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins haven’t been rested, which is a sign that Australia is looking to prepare for the T20 World Cup next year.

Australia’s white-ball captain Aaron Finch suffered a side strain during a Sheffield Shield game against South Australia but he has been declared fit a day before the first game. Meanwhile, Australia’s fast bowler Andrew Tye has been ruled of the series with an elbow injury.

On the other hand, Sri Lanka too would be high on confidence after whitewashing the No.1 T20 team in their backyard. Some of Sri Lanka’s top players didn’t even tour Pakistan and they still managed to win the series 3-0, which is a very positive sign for Sri Lankan cricket. 

Lasith Malinga who didn’t tour Pakistan is back as the captain, whereas the likes of Kusal Perera and Kusal Mendis make their way back in the squad. Sri Lanka haven’t started the tour on the right note as they lost the practice match to Prime Minister’s XI in a closely contested encounter.

Talking about the predicted XIs, Australia would look to go in with their strongest team at least for the first couple of T20Is.

Australia’s predicted XI: 

Aaron Finch (C), David Warner, Steven Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Ashton Turner, Alex Carey (WK), Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Billy Stanlake

For Sri Lanka, Kusal Perera, and Kusal Mendis should straightaway find a place in the XI. The players like Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Wanindu Hasaranga who did well against Pakistan should retain their place. 

Sri Lanka’s predicted XI:

Kusal Mendis, Danushka Gunathilka, Kusal Perera (WK), Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Oshado Fernando, Dasun Shanaka, Shehan Jayasuriya, Kasun Rajitha, Lakshan Sandakan, Lasith Malinga (C), Nuwan Pradeep

Cover Image credits: LMI Sports