Maxwell ,Head Return as Australia Make Five Changes Against Sri Lanka

Published on: February 14, 2025

Maxwell ,Head Return as Australia Make Five Changes Against Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Opt to Bat as Australia Makes Five Changes in Series Finale

Toss and Pitch Conditions

Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka won the toss and elected to bat first in the second and final ODI against Australia in Colombo. The decision was influenced by the dry nature of the surface, which is expected to assist spinners as the match progresses. Conditions were expected to remain sunny and humid throughout the day, adding another challenge for the fielding side.

The hosts are coming off a 49-run victory in the series opener, where Asalanka led from the front with a stunning century. That remarkable comeback put Sri Lanka in a strong position to claim a series win, especially given their recent dominance in the ODI format. Sri Lanka has won eight of their last 12 ODIs, a record that underscores their growing strength in the 50-over game. However, despite their strong form, they will not be part of the upcoming Champions Trophy due to missing out on qualification.

Sri Lanka Make a Single Change

With momentum on their side, Sri Lanka made just one change to their playing XI. Nishan Madushka was brought in to replace Avishka Fernando at the top of the order. The decision reflects an effort to bolster their opening partnership after a slightly underwhelming start in the first ODI.

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Madushka, a talented right-handed batter, has shown promise in domestic cricket and is being given an opportunity to stake his claim at the highest level. His ability to anchor the innings could provide much-needed stability, allowing the middle order—featuring Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, and Asalanka—to play with more freedom.

The rest of the Sri Lankan lineup remained unchanged, with a balanced combination of spin and pace. Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, and Maheesh Theekshana will lead the spin attack, while Asitha Fernando and Eshan Malinga will share the fast-bowling responsibilities.

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Australia Revamps Lineup with Five Changes

Australia made major adjustments to their squad for this crucial match, bringing in five new players to the XI. The most notable inclusions were Travis Head, Josh Inglis, and Glenn Maxwell, who will add considerable batting firepower. Additionally, fast bowler Ben Dwarshuis and legspinner Tanveer Sangha were drafted into the side.

The changes meant Cooper Connolly, Alex Carey, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Ellis, and Spencer Johnson were left out of the playing XI. This reshuffling highlights Australia’s intent to test different combinations ahead of the Champions Trophy, which begins next week.

Australia’s Batting Order Adjustments

With Travis Head returning to the top of the order, Australia’s batting lineup saw a reshuffle:
• Head will open the innings alongside Matthew Short, a promising aggressive batter.
• Jake Fraser-McGurk moved down to No.3, a position where he can play a more settled role rather than going all-out in the powerplay.
• Steve Smith, the Australian captain, will bat at No.4, providing experience and stability in the middle order.
• Josh Inglis takes over as wicketkeeper and will slot in at No.5, replacing Alex Carey.
• Aaron Hardie moves up to No.6, expected to play a finishing role alongside Maxwell.
• Glenn Maxwell, back in the XI, will bat at No.7, giving Australia a dangerous lower-middle order option who can shift gears rapidly.

This batting structure allows Australia to maintain an aggressive approach while also having a safety net in case of early wickets.

Australia’s Bowling Attack – A Blend of Youth and Experience

With the return of Ben Dwarshuis and Tanveer Sangha, Australia fielded a well-balanced bowling attack featuring both pace and spin options.
• Sean Abbott and Ben Dwarshuis will lead the pace attack. Abbott, known for his versatility, is expected to be crucial in the middle overs, while left-arm seamer Dwarshuis provides variety with his swing and accuracy.
• Adam Zampa and Tanveer Sangha will form a potent spin duo.
Zampa, a seasoned leg-spinner, will be the lead wicket-taking option, while Sangha, an emerging leg-spinner, gets an opportunity to gain international exposure.
• Glenn Maxwell will provide an extra spin option, which could prove handy on a dry Colombo surface.

Australia’s Squad Depleted Ahead of Champions Trophy

One of the biggest concerns for Australia heading into this series—and the upcoming Champions Trophy—is the absence of key players. They are without:
• Pat Cummins (rested)
• Josh Hazlewood (rested)
• Mitchell Starc (injured)
• Mitchell Marsh (injured)
• Marcus Stoinis (injured)

This means the team is heavily reliant on younger players and fringe members to step up, making this ODI a crucial test for those hoping to cement their spots for the Champions Trophy.

Sri Lanka’s Recent Form and Strategy

Sri Lanka has been in excellent ODI form, winning eight of their last 12 matches. Despite missing out on Champions Trophy qualification, they have been playing with confidence, particularly at home.

Their strategy for this match appears to be centered on:
1. Maximizing batting strength by batting first on a dry pitch, ensuring their spinners have a total to defend later.
2. Maintaining bowling consistency with their tried-and-tested spin attack, which has proven effective on Colombo’s turning tracks.
3. Building on their momentum after winning the first ODI, aiming to secure a 2-0 series victory and boost team morale.

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Key Players to Watch

• Charith Asalanka (Sri Lanka) – The captain played a match-winning innings in the first ODI, and another strong performance could seal the series for his team.
• Travis Head (Australia) – Returning to the squad, Head is expected to provide an aggressive start at the top of the order.
• Glenn Maxwell (Australia) – A game-changer with both bat and ball, Maxwell’s inclusion adds unpredictability to Australia’s lineup.
• Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka) – The leg-spinning all-rounder will be crucial in the middle overs, both with his bowling and late-order hitting.
• Adam Zampa (Australia) – Australia’s lead spinner will play a key role in restricting Sri Lanka’s batters, especially in the middle overs.

Final Thoughts

With Sri Lanka leading the series 1-0, this second ODI provides Australia with a chance to level the contest before heading into the Champions Trophy. While the home side is aiming to continue their impressive run, Australia is experimenting with their lineup in preparation for the major tournament ahead.

The match promises an exciting battle between Sri Lanka’s well-settled squad and Australia’s reshuffled but talented lineup. The dry conditions and the spin-friendly surface could play a decisive role in shaping the outcome.

Full Squads

Sri Lanka Playing XI:	Australia Playing XI:
1. Pathum Nissanka 2. Nishan Madushka 3. Kusal Mendis (wk) 4. Kamindu Mendis 5. Charith Asalanka (capt) 6. Janith Liyanage 7. Dunith Wellalage 8. Wanindu Hasaranga 9. Maheesh Theekshana 10. Eshan Malinga 11. Asitha Fernando	1. Travis Head 2. Matt Short 3. Jake Fraser-McGurk 4. Steve Smith (capt) 5. Josh Inglis (wk) 6. Aaron Hardie 7. Glenn Maxwell 8. Sean Abbott 9. Ben Dwarshuis 10. Adam Zampa 11. Tanveer Sangha