Injury-Hit Australia Seek Champions Trophy Answers in Sri Lanka ODIs

Colombo – Defending ODI World Cup champions Australia are set to face Sri Lanka in a two-match ODI series, but their preparations for the 2025 Champions Trophy have been disrupted by injuries and retirements.

Originally planned as a single ODI, the series was expanded to two matches, giving Australia a brief opportunity to test their new squad before heading to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.

Australia’s Squad Challenges: Injuries and New Faces

Australia will be without key players:

❌ Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Marsh (injured) 
❌ Marcus Stoinis (surprise retirement) 
❌ Mitchell Starc (withdrawn from Champions Trophy and ODIs) ❌

To fill the gaps, Australia has added six new players to their squad:

• Jake Fraser-McGurk, Cooper Connolly, Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Spencer Johnson, and Tanveer Sangha.

With Steve Smith expected to captain, Australia will also experiment with its batting order, likely pairing Travis Head and Matt Short as openers. Jake Fraser-McGurk could also be a late inclusion, while Alex Carey’s position in the middle order remains a point of interest.

Sri Lanka Look to Build for the Future

While Sri Lanka missed out on the Champions Trophy due to a disappointing ODI World Cup, they have played more ODIs than any team since then (21 matches, 13 wins).

Players to watch:

Dunith Wellalage: The young all-rounder made his name in 2022 vs. Australia, taking nine wickets in five matches. He has since claimed five-wicket hauls against India and continues to improve with the bat.

⚡ Matt Short: The absence of Marsh gives Short another shot to impress. His explosive 109 off 54 balls in the BBL showed what he can do with the white ball.

What to Expect from the Series?

The R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo has traditionally been a low-scoring venue, and these ODIs will be a test of Australia’s depth and adaptability.

Key Stats to Watch:

• Glenn Maxwell needs 50 runs to reach 4,000 ODI runs.
• Alex Carey needs 22 runs to reach 2,000 ODI runs.
• Wanindu Hasaranga needs five wickets to complete 100 ODI wickets.
• Sri Lanka's ODI record vs. Australia: 35 wins, 64 losses.

With a weakened squad and just two ODIs for preparation, Australia must find answers fast before heading to Pakistan.