SL vs AUS: Australia's Predicted Playing XI Against Sri Lanka , 1st Test

Australia face-off against Sri Lanka in a two-match Test series starting with the first Test in Galle from June 29. The second Test will also be played at the same venue from July 8. The Aussies lost their previous Test series against Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka 0-3 in 2016. The Test series is a part of the ongoing WTC.

Overall the Aussies have played 31 Test matches against Sri Lanka winning 19 matches. Most of their wins have come in Australia. This Aussies squad has several of the players who were a part of the 2016 series which they lost to the hosts. Nathan Lyon, Steve Smith, David Warner and Mitchell Starc were all part of the series back then.

Glenn Maxwell is making an enterprising return to the Test squad after five years. He played his last Test against Bangladesh in 2017. The Aussie side is struggling with injury concerns and looks an unsettled unit at the moment. Keeping the injuries in mind choosing a proper XI might be difficult.

SL vs AUS: Australia’s Predicted Playing XI Against Sri Lanka, 1st Test

David Warner

Warner scored just 155 runs from five ODI matches. However, he scored 130 runs in the three-match T20I series. The southpaw will have a lot on his shoulders opening the batting in the first Test in Galle.

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Usman Khawaja

Khawaja should open with Warner in Galle. He has a great record of playing in the Asian continent. Along with Steve Smith, he is one of the best players of spin from the current side.

Marnus Labuschagne

Labuschagne has made himself a regular feature in Australia’s Test XI. He has scored 2390 runs in just 26 Test matches at an average of over 50. He is currently ranked second in the ICC rankings.

Steve Smith

Smith has recovered from his quad injury to be available for the first Test. He was one of the top scorers from Australia’s last trip to the country and this time around he is key as well.

Glenn Maxwell

Maxwell was included in Australia’s Test squad after five years. He should make it to the Xi in the first Test. He can bat as well as bowl good off-spinners and will be good support for Nathan Lyon.

Cameron Green / Mitchell Marsh

Alex Carey (WK)

Carey has been Australia’s specialist wicketkeeper in Test cricket. He too is one of the best players against spin with a keen interest in playing the sweep shot. He slots in at number seven.

Ashton Agar

Agar can be the second spinner in the playing Xi after Nathan Lyon who will lead the spin trio. Agar has been preferred by the management, especially on away tours.

Pat Cummins (C)

Cummis can bat at number 8 and is likely to lead the pace attack in what seems to be in the absence of Mitchell Starc. The Aussie Test skipper won his first Test series as skipper against Pakistan earlier this year.

Josh Hazlewood

Hazlewood should ideally partner Cummins from the other end. He has been consistent as a Test bowler and has upped his game in ODI and T20I cricket.

Nathan Lyon

Lyon completes Australia’s predicted playing XI for the first Test against Sri Lanka. He has picked up just 35 wickets against Sri Lanka in his career so far and would like to improve on that record.

Also Read: SL vs AUS: Nathan Lyon Will Be Key To Australia???s Success In The Test Series: Shane Watson