The Australian cricket team is now on a tour of Sri Lanka. The two-match Test series is part of the WTC. However, this time there has been a big change in the team. Steve Smith will lead the side in the absence of regular skipper Pat Cummins. Just a day before the first Test match, Steve Smith has surprised everyone with his strategy. He has indicated that the team will get a new opening pair. This could mean that Sam Konstas, who got involved with Jasprit Bumrah in the India vs Australia series, could be out of the playing XI this time.
The first Test starts on January 29
The first Test of the two-match series between Australia and Sri Lanka will be played in Galle on January 29. The Indian team is currently preparing for the Australian tour. Steve Smith will open the innings with Usman Khawaja in the first Test. Earlier, when the Australian team was on tour in India, Usman Khawaja along with Nathan McSweeney and Sam Konstas took turns to open. But now the situation has changed. This time, Nathan McSweeney and Sam Konstas may have to sit out of the playing XI. Sam Constas faced a lot of criticism for his banter with Jasprit Bumrah during the India tour. This makes it difficult for them to retain their place in the team.
Australia following Indian strategy
In 2023 Australian team visited India, Usman Khawaja and Travis Head opened the innings and were very successful. Now the pitches in Sri Lanka are also spin-friendly like India. For this reason, Australia has once again decided to follow the same strategy.
Skipper Steve Smith heaped praise on Travis Head, saying he performed brilliantly against India with the new ball. However, when asked about the playing XI of the first Test, he made it clear that the team will be announced at the toss.
The effect of the opening pair
Sending Travis Head to open will change the batting order. This means that the place of number five of the head will now be empty. It will be interesting to see who bats at this venue. Steve Smith has hinted that Sam Konstas will have to work harder to prove himself. Only Nathan McSweeney and Sam Konstas will get a chance in the playing XI. This match is crucial for both teams.
Challenges on Sri Lanka’s spin pitches
Although the result of this series will not have much impact on the WTC final, it will be interesting to see how the Australian team performs on the spin pitches of Sri Lanka. The pitch at Galle is considered helpful for spinners. The Sri Lankan team will also try to take full advantage of their home conditions.
Read Also:- Melbourne Test: Virat in headline not because score but for argument with fans
The State of Sam Konstas
On Sam Konstas, Steve Smith said that he has to improve his batting and prove himself useful to the team. For Konstas, this series could set the tone for his career. On the other hand, Nathan McSweeney will also have to work hard to keep his place in the team.
Australia’s Strategy
The Australian team is looking at this series as a preparation for the upcoming WTC final. Talking about his plans, captain Steve Smith said the focus of the team is to perform according to the pitch conditions. This series between Australia and Sri Lanka will be important in many ways. While the series is an opportunity for Sri Lanka to prove themselves on home soil, Australia are looking at it as preparation for the WTC final. All eyes will be on the new opening pair of Travis Head and Usman Khawaja in this first Test to be played in Galle. Also, it will be interesting to see who among Sam Konstas and Nathan McSweeney gets a place in the final 11.
Latest News Supreme News Network AustraliavsSriLanka
#CricketMatch #AustraliaTeam #SrilankaTeam #AustraliavsSriLanka #WTC
