Australia’s Test tours in Sri Lanka often carry a hint of drama, and this series opener in Galle is no exception. The last time these teams clashed here, mass protests gripped Sri Lanka during a hard-fought 1-1 series in 2022. Back in 2016, Australia struggled mightily against spin, with Rangana Herath dismantling their top order.
Their shared history is full of memorable moments: a fateful collision in Kandy in 1999 saw Jason Gillespie break his leg and Steve Waugh his nose; Shane Warne orchestrated one of Sri Lanka’s most heart-wrenching collapses in the 1990s; and in 2011, Sri Lanka produced one of the driest Galle pitches on record. While Sri Lanka has never won a Test in Australia, matches on Sri Lankan soil tend to be far more competitive.
Australia enters this series with confidence, fresh off their Border-Gavaskar Trophy triumph and a confirmed spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
Steven Smith will lead the side in the absence of regular captain Pat Cummins, who is on paternity leave.
Sri Lanka, despite a disappointing end to their 2024 Test campaign in South Africa, appears to be building toward a stronger showing in the next WTC cycle. Their relatively favorable schedule could help them make a serious push.
Spin is expected to play a key role in Galle. While the surface may not be as dry as some past pitches at this venue, it’s likely to take significant turn by the third day, especially with January’s cooler weather.
As the match progresses, fans can expect a battle of sweeps, reverse sweeps, and close-in fielders hunting for edges and bat-pad chances.
With both sides aiming to exploit the conditions, the stage is set for another thrilling chapter in this storied rivalry.
Updated on 28th January, 2025 by MyFortune11 Team.