First ODI between Sri Lanka and Australia will take place on Tuesday (14th June).
Australia kick-started their tour to Sri Lanka with a 2-1 T20I series win. The visitors displayed a sensational performance with both bat and ball in the first two games to outplay the opposition. However, in the final game, Dasun Shanaka’s 59 runs off the last 17 balls took the game away from them.
The focus now shifts towards the upcoming five-match ODI series between the two teams, which will get underway on Tuesday (14th June) in Pallekele followed by the second match to be played on 16th June at the same venue. The third, fourth and fifth ODIs are scheduled for 19th, 21st and 24th June in Colombo.
The visitors have named the playing XI for the first game. Pat Cummins and Marnus Labuschange, who will feature in the first ODI, were seen having a battle with each other in the nets ahead of the clash. The duo left no stone unturned in outplaying each other.
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Cricket Australia posted the video on their official Instagram account and captioned the clip: "Sound ON! It’s Cummins v Labuschagne in a net battle for the ages.”
Here’s the video:
Australia also suffered major blows ahead of the ODI series as they Mitchell Starc, Mitch Marsh and Kane Richardson were ruled out of the series owing to injuries. The Aaron Finch-led side is placed seventh on ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Super League standings, having won 7 out of 12 matches and has 70 points.
They would be looking to improve their position in the table as only the top 7 teams in addition to the hosts (India) on the table will qualify for the Cricket World Cup 2023 directly while two more teams will be added based on the results of the qualifiers.