Sri Lanka vs Australia 2024/25, SL vs AUS 1st ODI Match Preview

Big Picture: Australia hit by injury, retirement; SL not at the party

Six players have been added to the originally selected group: Jake-Fraser McGurk, Cooper Connolly, Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Spencer Johnson and Tanveer Sangha. It is likely they will all get at least one of the two matches in Sri Lanka as some of those who played both Tests are given a short break. Smith appears set to take the captaincy.

It appears likely that Head and Matt Short will form the first-choice opening partnership although Fraser-McGurk could make a late entry. He and Short struggled in the home series against Pakistan in November. Another point of interest is whether Alex Carey finds himself a place in the middle order.

Sri Lanka WLLWW(last five completed ODIs, most recent first)
Australia LLWWL

In the spotlight: Dunith Wellalage and Matt Short

Team news: Starc likely to rest

Given the odd nature of this series and the short turnaround, it’s tricky to know what each side will do. Mitchell Starc is not expected to feature, though, after the Tests. He looked a little sore in Galle although has overcome various niggles this season.

Australia squad: Travis Head, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Glenn Maxwell, Cooper Connolly, Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Ellis, Spencer Johnson, Tanveer Sangha

Sri Lanka squad: Charith Asalanka, Nishan Madushka, Nuwanidu Fernando, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Eshan Malinga, Mohamed Shiraz, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Dunith Wellalage