Australia name their playing XI for the first Test against Sri Lanka
Jul 25, 2016 at 7:13 PM
The Australian Team have announced their playing XI for the first of the three-match Test series against Sri Lanka which starts on July 26. Australian skipper Steven Smith revealed the playing XI at a press conference on Monday at Pallekele Stadium.
Last week Australian coach Darren Lehmann had suggested that Australia might go in with two spinners unless they see something for the pacers in the Pallakeke pitch and following the coach’s words, Australia have included two spinners. Stephen O’ Keefe, who has represented Australia in only 2 Tests, has been named in the team to bowl alongside Nathan Lyon. While O’Keefe has still not impressed in the 2 Tests that he has played, he performed brilliantly for his team in the warm-up game by taking a ten-wicket haul and scoring 78 not out , which might have paved his way into the team.
The playing surface is still under cover as there is a chance of rain over the next few days. With cloud cover and residual moisture lingering, it was expected that Australia would go in with a three pace attack. However, Mitchell Starc, who is making a comeback in Test cricket from an injury, and Josh Hazlewood will be Australia’s only pace bowlers, with allrounder Mitchell Marsh as a third seam bowling option.
Meanwhile, southpaw David Warner has been included in the XI after being declared fit for the first match. Warner missed the warm-up game due to a finger injury which he suffered during the tri-series in the Caribbeans.
AUSTRALIA XI: David Warner (VC), Joe Burns, Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith (c), Adam Voges, Mitchell Marsh, Peter Nevill (wk), Steve O’Keefe, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon