In a recent update, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has made a change to the schedule for the upcoming home series against Australia, beginning later this month. Notably, Sri Lanka will play an additional ODI match in preparation for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to be held in Dubai and Pakistan.
Sri Lanka will host two Tests against Australia as part of the World Test Championship (WTC). The first Test will start on January 29, followed by the second Test on February 6. Both Tests will take place at the Galle International Cricket Stadium. After the Test series, the teams will play a two-match ODI series.
Sri Lanka and Australia Originally Scheduled to Play a One-Off ODI
Sri Lanka and Australia were originally scheduled for a one-off ODI in Hambantota. However, the ODI series schedule has been revised, with an additional match added to the series.
The first match will be played on February 12, and the second on February 14. Both matches will be held at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The first ODI will take place just two days after the scheduled final day of the second Test, raising concerns about player availability if the Test extends to the fifth day.
The Decision Was Taken in Consultation with Cricket Australia – Sri Lanka Cricket
On Wednesday, January 15, Sri Lanka Cricket announced that Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka will now include two ODIs instead of the previously planned single match. This decision to add an extra ODI was made after discussions with Cricket Australia. The Australian team will arrive in Sri Lanka on January 24.
“Sri Lanka Cricket wishes to announce that the upcoming Australia Tour of Sri Lanka 2025 will see two ODIs played, instead of one as earlier announced. The decision was taken in consultation with Cricket Australia. Accordingly, the tour will consist of a two-match test series and two ODIs. The Australians will arrive in Sri Lanka on 24th January 2025,” the statement read.
Sri Lanka Cricket’s Revised Schedule for Australia’s 2025 Tour
| DATE | MATCH | VENUE | TIME |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29th January to 02nd February 2025 | First Test Match | GICS, Galle | Day |
| 06th to 10th February 2025 | Second Test Match | GICS, Galle | Day |
| 12th February 2025 | First ODI | RPICS, Colombo | Day |
| 14th February 2025 | Second ODI | RPICS, Colombo | Day |
Australia’s preliminary Champions Trophy squad includes nine players not part of the ongoing Test series, including captain Pat Cummins and pacer Josh Hazlewood. However, Cummins’ participation in the Champions Trophy is uncertain due to an ankle injury sustained during the India Test series.
Australia will commence their Champions Trophy campaign against England on February 22. They will face South Africa on February 25 and Afghanistan on February 28, respectively. The first semi-final match is scheduled for March 4 in Dubai, while the second will take place on March 5 in Lahore.
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