LIVE | Sri Lanka v Australia, 1st Test - Day 1
Australia skipper Steve Smith won the toss and opted to bat in the opening match of the two-Test series against Sri Lanka on Wednesday.
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Head replaces Konstas as Australia opener against Sri Lanka
GALLE, Sri Lanka : Travis Head will replace Sam Konstas as Usman Khawaja's opening partner in the first test against Sri Lanka at Galle on Wednesday, Australia's stand-in captain Steve Smith said on the eve of the match.
Injured Pathum Nissanka Unlikely To Play First Test Against Australia
Injured Sri Lanka opener Pathum Nissanka is unlikely to play the first Test against Australia in Galle, starting on Wednesday. Nissanka is undergoing rehabilitation in Colombo for the groin strain he sustained during the third T20I against New Zealand earlier this month. He has not joined the rest of the squad in Galle, team manager Mahinda Halangoda confirmed to ESPNcricinfo. Sri Lanka's team management is hopeful of his availability for the second Test starting on February 6.
Pakistan's Saud Shakeel, Noman Ali Make Big Gains ICC's Men's Test Rankings
Pakistan's Saud Shakeel, and bowler Noman Ali on Wednesday made significant gains in the latest International Cricket Council's (ICC) Men's Test rankings. The pair set up Pakistan's 127-run win over the West Indies, which has the hosts ahead 1-0 in the two-Test series, as stated in a release from ICC. Saud Shakeel (753 rating points) scored 84 in the first innings, climbing three Rankings spots to 8th on the batting list, moving above Steve Smith (746, 9th) and Rishabh Pant (739, 10th). England duo of Joe Root (895) and Harry Brook (876) remain the world's top two Test batters, ahead of New Zealand veteran Kane Williamson (867).
Australia Boosted By Positive Steve Smith Update Ahead Of Sri Lanka Series, Champions Trophy
In an encouraging update ahead of the Sri Lanka Test series, Cricket Australia revealed that star batter Steve Smith's elbow injury is not as bad as it seemed and has been cleared to join the Test squad. The Australian squad are preparing for a two-match Test series in Sri Lanka starting from January 29, which will be swiftly followed by the ICC Champions Trophy. The 35-year-old, who was named Test captain for the Sri Lanka series in the absence of Pat Cummins, picked up a right elbow injury whilst attempting a throw during a Big Bash League fixture on Friday.
David Warner Backs This Star As Australia Captain For Tests vs Sri Lanka
Former opener David Warner has backed Travis Head to be Australia's new Test captain if Steve Smith isn't fit for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka due to an elbow injury suffered in the Big Bash League (BBL). Smith was named as Australia's Test captain for the Sri Lanka tour after Pat Cummins was unavailable due to left ankle soreness and the birth of his second child. But Cricket Australia (CA) said on Sunday that Smith sustained an injury to his right elbow whilst throwing in the field for the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League on Friday.
Nathan Lyon Donates To Support Cricketers With Disability. Here's How Virat Kohli Helped
Australia off-spinner Nathan Lyon has donated three exclusive bats signed by India stars Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin to Cricket Australia's social impact partner Taverners for auction with the proceeds being used to support cricketers with disability. Australia captain Pat Cummins, star batter Steve Smith and Lyon himself also signed on the three bats. The signatures were taken during the intensely-fought five-match Test series for the Border-Gavasakar Trophy, which India lost 1-3 earlier this month.
Sri Lanka Add Second ODI Into Schedule Of Home Series Against Australia
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) said that in consultation with Cricket Australia it has added an extra ODI to its schedule of home series against Australia, which begins on January 29 with the first of two Tests in Galle. The tour's original itinerary was of just one ODI alongside two Test matches, which are a part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship cycle, with Australia booking its spot in the final against South Africa, to be played at Lord's in June.