Sri Lanka vs Australia squads, schedule, live streaming

Sri Lanka is set to host Australia for a two-match Test series, with the first match beginning on January 29, 2025, at the Galle International Stadium. Both Tests will be played at this iconic venue, known for its turning tracks and challenging conditions for visiting teams. The series marks a significant opportunity for Sri Lanka to bounce back after their disappointing 0-2 series loss to South Africa earlier in the year. Led by Dhananjaya de Silva, the Sri Lankan side is eager to turn things around and put up a strong performance against the Australians. However, the hosts are currently grappling with a few injury concerns. Key players, including captain Dhananjaya de Silva himself, along with Kamindu Mendis and Pathum Nissanka, are all dealing with fitness issues. These injuries have raised questions about team balance and composition as Sri Lanka prepares to face the formidable Australian lineup.

One of Sri Lanka’s key strengths lies in their spin attack, and they will be looking to their spinners to play a decisive role in the series. Prabath Jayasuriya, who was instrumental in Sri Lanka's recent victory over New Zealand, is expected to lead the charge with the ball. Alongside him, spinners Nishan Peiris and Jeffrey Vandersay will also play crucial roles in exploiting the conditions at Galle. With the team under pressure to perform, Sri Lanka will be hoping that their spin department can make the difference against the Australians.

Prabath Jayasuriya is expected to bowl the majority of the overs for Sri Lanka in the upcoming Test series against Australia, with valuable support from Dhananjaya de Silva, Nishan Peiris, and leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay. Sri Lanka's spin attack will be crucial, especially at Galle, where the conditions traditionally favor slow bowlers. Meanwhile, veteran batters Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal will be tasked with anchoring the batting order and providing stability in the middle. Their experience will be vital in guiding the team through challenging spells against Australia’s pace and spin attack.

Australia enters the series on a high, having secured a 3-1 victory over India in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which also earned them a spot in the World Test Championship final. With regular captain Pat Cummins absent, Steve Smith will lead the visitors, while Travis Head will serve as vice-captain and open the batting alongside Usman Khawaja. Australia will, however, be without key players Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Marsh, as both are focused on preparing for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. Despite these absences, Australia remains a formidable side, and Sri Lanka will need to be at their best to challenge them.

Meanwhile, Australia’s spin attack will be bolstered by left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann, who is recovering from a thumb injury. Kuhnemann is expected to join forces with seasoned campaigner Nathan Lyon and promising young spinner Todd Murphy. Together, they will look to provide Australia with a well-rounded spin department to challenge Sri Lanka’s batsmen in the conditions at Galle. Kuhnemann’s return adds an extra layer of depth to the Australian bowling lineup, giving them more options on turning tracks.

In terms of head-to-head record, Australia holds a clear advantage, with 20 wins in 33 encounters between the two teams. This dominant record will undoubtedly give the visitors confidence heading into the series. However, Sri Lanka will be hoping that the home conditions at Galle will play to their strengths. The spin-friendly tracks at the venue have historically favored Sri Lanka’s bowlers, and they will be looking to exploit this advantage in order to level the playing field against the Australian side. Despite Australia’s strong record, Sri Lanka’s familiarity with the conditions could provide them with the edge they need to put up a tough challenge in the upcoming SL vs AUS Test series.

Sri Lanka vs Australia squads

Sri Lanka squad: Dhananjaya de Silva (c), Dimuth Karunaratne, Pathum Nissanka (subject to fitness), Oshada Fernando, Lahiru Udara, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Sonal Dinusha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Jeffrey Vandersay, Nishan Peiris, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Milan Rathnayake.

Australia squad: Steve Smith (c), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Travis Head (vc), Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Matt Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Nathan McSweeney, Todd Murphy, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster.

SL vs AUS 2025 schedule

Sri Lanka vs Australia live streaming

There is still no official confirmation regarding the live telecast of the first Test between Sri Lanka and Australia in India. Cricket fans in the country are eagerly awaiting details on where they can watch the match on television. However, it has been confirmed that the first Test will be available for live streaming on digital platforms. The match will be streamed on both SonyLiv and FanCode apps and their respective websites, allowing fans to follow the action online. These streaming platforms will provide coverage for viewers who prefer to watch the match on their mobile devices, laptops, or smart TVs. While TV broadcast details remain unclear, the streaming options ensure that fans in India can still enjoy the game and keep up with the action, especially with the match expected to be an exciting contest between Sri Lanka and Australia.