In a recent update, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has made a change in the schedule for the upcoming home series against Australia, which starts later this month. Namely, Sri Lanka will play an additional ODI match as a preparation for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 to be held in Dubai and Pakistan.
Sri Lanka will host two Tests against Australia as part of the World Test Championship (WTC). The first test will begin on January 29, followed by the second test on February 6. Both the Tests will be held at the Galle International Cricket Stadium. After the Test series, the teams will play a two-match ODI series.
Sri Lanka and Australia were originally scheduled for a one-off ODI
Sri Lanka and Australia were originally scheduled for a one-off ODI in Hambantota. However, the ODI series schedule has been revised, with an extra match added to the series.
The first match will be played on February 12, and the second on February 14. Both matches will be played at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The first ODI will take place just two days after the scheduled final day of the second Test, raising concerns about player availability if the Test is extended to a fifth day.
The decision was made in consultation with Cricket Australia – Sri Lanka Cricket
On Wednesday, January 15, Sri Lanka Cricket announced that Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka will now include two ODIs instead of the previously planned single match. The decision to add an extra ODI was made after discussions with Cricket Australia. The Australian team will arrive in Sri Lanka on January 24.
“Sri Lanka Cricket wishes to announce that the upcoming Australia Tour of Sri Lanka 2025 will feature two ODI matches, instead of one as previously announced. The decision has been taken in consultation with Cricket Australia. Accordingly, the tour will consist of two matches test series and two Australians will arrive in Sri Lanka on January 24, 2025, the statement said.
Sri Lanka Cricket Revised Schedule for Australia Tour 2025
| DATE | COMPARE YOURSELF | VENUE | TIME |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 29 to February 2, 2025 | First test match | GICS, Galle | Day |
| February 6 to 10, 2025 | Second test match | GICS, Galle | Day |
| February 12, 2025 | The first ODI | RPICS, Colombo | Day |
| February 14, 2025 | Others GO | RPICS, Colombo | Day |
Australia’s preliminary squad for the Champions Trophy includes nine players who are not part of the current Test series, including captain Pat Cummins and pacer Josh Hazlewood. However, Cummins’ participation in the Champions Trophy is uncertain due to an ankle injury sustained during the Test series in India.
Australia will begin their Champions Trophy campaign against England on February 22. They will face South Africa on February 25 and Afghanistan on February 28. The first semi-final match is scheduled for March 4 in Dubai, while the second will be played on March 5 in Lahore.
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