Australia and Sri Lanka are set to face off in the second and final Test of their two-match series at the Galle International Stadium, starting on February 6, 2025. Australia leads the series 1-0 after a commanding innings-and-242-run victory in the first Test.
Match Details:
- Date: February 6-10, 2025
- Venue: Galle International Stadium, Galle, Sri Lanka
- Time: 10:00 AM IST (4:30 AM GMT)
Team Overviews:
Australia:
Australia enters the second Test with high confidence following their dominant performance in the series opener. Usman Khawaja’s monumental 232-run innings, along with centuries from Steve Smith and debutant Josh Inglis, highlighted their batting prowess. The spin duo of Nathan Lyon and Matthew Kuhnemann were instrumental, sharing 16 wickets between them.
Captain Steve Smith has expressed support for Marnus Labuschagne, who is looking to make a significant contribution after a modest score in the first Test. There is speculation that spin-bowling all-rounder Cooper Connolly might make his Test debut, potentially replacing Todd Murphy to strengthen the spin attack.
Sri Lanka:
Sri Lanka faces the challenge of regrouping after a heavy defeat. Dinesh Chandimal was a standout performer with a resilient 72 in the first innings, while Jeffrey Vandersay showcased his all-round capabilities with a quick fifty in the second innings and three wickets with the ball.
The team will be keen to address their batting vulnerabilities and find ways to counter Australia’s potent spin attack. Adjustments in the bowling lineup are anticipated, with Lahiru Kumara or Vishwa Fernando possibly replacing Asitha Fernando, who struggled in the first Test.
Head-to-Head:
In 34 Test matches between the two teams, Australia has won 21 times, Sri Lanka has secured 5 victories, and 8 matches have ended in a draw.
Probable Playing XIs:
Australia:
- Usman Khawaja
- Travis Head
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Steve Smith (c)
- Josh Inglis
- Alex Carey (wk)
- Beau Webster
- Mitchell Starc
- Matthew Kuhnemann
- Nathan Lyon
- Cooper Connolly/Todd Murphy
Sri Lanka:
- Oshada Fernando
- Dimuth Karunaratne
- Dinesh Chandimal
- Angelo Mathews
- Kamindu Mendis
- Dhananjaya de Silva (c)
- Kusal Mendis (wk)
- Prabath Jayasuriya
- Jeffrey Vandersay
- Nishan Peiris
- Lahiru Kumara/Vishwa Fernando
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Live Streaming
India:
- TV Channel: Sony Pictures Network (Specific channel to be announced)
- Live Streaming: SonyLIV app and website
Pakistan:
- TV Channel: Asports
- Live Streaming: Tamasha App, Tapmad
Pitch Report:
The Galle pitch is expected to offer significant turn from the outset, favoring spinners. Batters will need to apply themselves diligently to post competitive scores. Winning the toss and opting to bat first could be advantageous to capitalize on the relatively better batting conditions early in the match.
Match Prediction:
Given Australia’s comprehensive performance in the first Test and their superior form, they are favored to win the second Test and secure a series sweep. Sri Lanka will need to deliver an exceptional performance to challenge the visitors and level the series.
