Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka has been extended to include an extra ODI, providing the visitors with additional preparation ahead of the Champions Trophy.
The two ODIs are scheduled for February 12 and 14 at Colombo's R Premadasa Stadium and will be played as day matches.
The first ODI comes just two days after the scheduled fifth day of the second Test in Galle, raising questions about the availability of players involved in the Test series if it goes the distance.
Australia’s preliminary Champions Trophy squad includes nine players not participating in the Test series, among them captain Pat Cummins and fast bowler Josh Hazlewood. However, Cummins’ involvement is uncertain due to an ankle injury he carried during the recent India Test series.
The ODI squad is expected to arrive in Sri Lanka around the start of the second Test. Australia will kick off their Champions Trophy campaign against England on February 22, followed by matches against South Africa on February 25 and Afghanistan on February 28.
The tournament’s semi-finals are set for March 4 in Dubai and March 5 in Lahore, as the hybrid model accommodates India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan. The final will be held on March 9, with Dubai or Lahore hosting, depending on India’s qualification.
Updated on 16th January, 2025 by MyFortune11 Team.