Australia vs Sri Lanka – 1st T20 International Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Australia vs Sri Lanka taking place? Friday, February 11th, 2022 – 08:10 (UK)
Where is Australia vs Sri Lanka taking place? Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney
What is the expected weather for Australia vs Sri Lanka? 21c with a chance of light rain and a moderate breeze
What channel is Australia vs Sri Lanka on? The match will be televised live on BT Sport in the UK
Where can I stream Australia vs Sri Lanka? BT Sport subscribers will be able to stream the match live via the BT Sport website and app
LAST MEETING
Australia beat Sri Lanka by seven wickets
THE TEAM NEWS
AUSTRALIA
- T20 World Cup champions Australia return to action for the first time in the 20 over format of the game since lifting the trophy for the first time last November, beating New Zealand by eight wickets in the final.
- All-round Mitchell Marsh starred for Australia at the T20 World Cup, as did opener David Warner, however both have been rested for this series with bowler Josh Hazlewood returning to action following an injury that kept him out of four Ashes tests.
- Another all-rounder in Daniel Sams has been called up to the squad, as has the big-hitting Ben McDermott who can either play in the middle order, or as an opener alongside captain Aaron Finch.
SRI LANKA
- Sri Lanka were also last in T20i competition at the World Cup, unlike Australia however, they did not advance to the latter stages of the competition, losing out in the Super 12 stage.
- Batter Kusal Mendis has tested positive for Covid-19 and has been in isolation since this past Monday, meaning that he is expected to not feature in this first T20i.
- Dasun Shanaka will captain the side, whilst Dinesh Chandimal is likely to be given the wicket-keeping gloves in Mendis’ absence, with Kamil Mishara named as the tourists’ reserve keeper.
THE PREDICTION
Although Australia head into this five-match series weakened through the lack of key players at the top of their batting order such as Warner and Marsh, the strength-in-depth they pose is frightening with the likes of captain Aaron Finch, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis and Matthew Wade all set to feature. They will need to be at their best against spin, considering that they will be up against Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga, one of the best in the world when it comes to T20 cricket. However, the firepower Australia boast within their batting ranks is substantially stronger than that of the tourists and should lead to a comfortable victory for Finch’s side in this opening T20i.
