Even with their struggles in recent times taken into account, Australia should be too strong for Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka did, however, win the last day-night Test they played in, against the West Indies in Barbados back in June last year.
Australia v Sri Lanka | 24 January – 28 January | The Gabba, Brisbane
To Win Match
Australia 2/9
Draw 7/1
Sri Lanka 6/1
Australia
Australia will want to put Sri Lanka away emphatically – and anything short of a convincing victory at the Gabba could be seen as a failure.
Looking to rebound after a first-ever home series loss to India, Australia’s quicks should give them the edge. but it will be their batsmen who will be under the microscope.
Seamer Josh Hazlewood was ruled out of the squad due to a back injury and has been replaced by Jhye Richardson, who toured South Africa with the Test group last year but remains uncapped in the ultimate format. It is unclear if Justin Langer will prefer Richardson ahead of veteran quick Peter Siddle.
Pat Cummins and Travis Head were named joint vice-captains of the squad. continuing the bizarre trend adopted by Langer shortly after taking charge. Mitchell Marsh and Hazlewood had previously held the positions.
Kurtis Patterson looks set to make his debut, opening the batting for Australia. Langer will be looking for solid displays from Patterson and potential opening partner Matt Renshaw, who returns to the squad.
Sri Lanka
Already missing Angelo Mathews, Sri Lanka were hit by another injury blow when Nuwan Pradeep suffered a hamstring injury that ruled the paceman out of the tour.
This will leave veteran seamer Suranga Lakmal to lead the attack, likely backed up by Lahiru Kumara and Kasun Rajitha.
Sri Lanka desperately need Kusal Mendis to carry his form from the Test series in New Zealand across the Tasman.
Dimuth Karunaratne and Danushka Gunathilaka are in for a trial by fire as the openers, but will need to find a way to blunt the effectiveness of the new pink ball.
Sri Lanka’s best chance of being competitive in this series is to hit the ground running – and put Australia on the back foot early.
Verdict: Australia 2/9
Sri Lanka’s batsmen will struggle against the quality pace attack of Australia – and it will be tough for them to outscore the hosts.
