Australia are set to face a trial by spin in Sri Lanka, with both Tests of the looming series to again be played in Galle.
Sri Lankan officials confirmed the fixtures for next year’s series on Friday, with the first Test to start on January 29 and the second on February 6, before one solitary ODI game at a yet-to-be confirmed venue on February 13.
The Galle International Stadium is one of the most picturesque venues in the world, with the Indian Ocean hugging the ground and famous fort in the background.
But it is also friendly to spin.
Australia’s first Test at the ground in 2022 was over before lunch on day three, with spinners taking 25 of the 30 wickets for the match.
In effect that almost played into Australia’s hands, with batters from both sides struggling with the extreme conditions.
Local curators then rolled out a more traditional sub-continent wicket for the second Test at the same ground.
But even then, Sri Lanka debutant Prabath Jayasuriya took 12 wickets for the match as Australia were spun out and surrendered their series lead.
The hosts had relied on spin throughout the series, while Australia toyed with playing Glenn Maxwell as an extra tweaker in that second Test.
Maxwell is again expected to come into calculations for this summer’s tour, with Australia coach Andrew McDonald confirming that this week.
The Victorian played just two first-class match in the past five years.
“I think if you looked at the last two Test matches in Pakistan (against England) and India, the ability to play on that horizontal plane sweeping and reverse sweeping, I think will be a critical skill if the conditions are extreme,” McDonald said on Thursday.
“Does he (Maxwell) fit that profile? One hundred per cent he fits that profile.
“The big challenge for Maxi is clearly body, and whether he can get through Test cricket, and what that may look like on the back of BBL.
“With Maxi, it’s he plays, see how he pulls up, and then make the next decision on the back of that injury that he had.”
Australia’s players are due to arrive in Sri Lanka on January 20, meaning it’s expected batters will likely play out the regular season of the BBL before missing the finals.
Meanwhile, the one 50-over match has been added to the schedule, acting as a virtual warm-up match for the Champions Trophy in Pakistan the following week.
AAP
