Australia’s bid to keep a grip on their No.1 Test ranking is due to start on Tuesday but rain is threatening to play a big part in their first match against Sri Lanka in Kandy.
The Steve Smith-captained Australia are hot favourites to dominate the home side, who head into the clash following a dismal tour of England and with a young and inexperienced line-up.
Sri Lanka have only ever won one Test against Australia in 26 encounters – that 1999 victory in Kandy infamous for the sickening collision between Steve Waugh and Jason Gillespie in the outfield as they ran for a catch.
However, Australia have been woeful in recent times in the sub-continent, racking up a solitary victory in the last 15 Tests across away series in India and Sri Lanka, as well as on similarly dry and big-spinning wickets in the UAE against Pakistan.
The good news for the tourists is that one win came in Sri Lanka, on their last tour of the island nation in 2011.
The bad news is that there is a high chance of thunderstorms forecast for the first four days of the first Test.
They’re well prepared for rain in Pallekele, with massive blue covers not only taking care of the wicket square, but stretching across just about the entire outfield.
Rain has marred all four of the Test matches played at the venue, including Australia’s clash in 2011 when day-five showers helped Sri Lanka salvage a draw.
Time will tell what effect any rain and associated humidity have on the pitch, which was described by Smith as dry and prompted the inclusion of left-arm spinner Stephen O’Keefe in Australia’s XI over paceman Jackson Bird.
On Monday, Smith received the ICC Test championship mace and US$1 million in prize money from ICC CEO David Richardson after Australia claimed the No.1 ranking by the annual April 1 cut-off date.
“Winning away from home has often been a challenge for us, especially in sub-continental conditions, but this is something we are looking to change in this upcoming series against Sri Lanka,” said Smith.
Australia recorded 10 Test victories in 15 matches over the 12-month period.
To stay at the top of the tree, Australia need to beat Sri Lanka by 1-0 or better.
Build your own fantasy cricket team and put it to the test with Draftstars daily fantasy competitions. Pick your match, pick your team and watch the points roll in to take out cash prizes on each match. What are you really gambling with? Set a deposit limit.
If people can lose their job, and clubs can face massive payouts, due to the behaviour of coaches, it will drastically change the way sporting teams in Australia will be run.
Australian fast bowling great Jason Gillespie has been named head coach of Pakistan's Test team, as the nation overhauls its coaching department ahead of…
Will Jacks got RCB past the 200 target set by Gujarat with four overs to spare.
With Rajasthan needing 25 off 17, both batsmen ended up at the same end but the bowler dropped the throw from his teammate -…
A six-laden, 27-ball 84 from Jake Fraser-McGurk to continue his outrageous debut IPL!
Johnny Bairstow has hit his way back into form with a 45-ball century as he steered his side to a record-breaking win, easily chasing…
