Sri Lanka vs Australia 2nd Test Match Preview

Match Details

Match: Sri Lanka vs Australia, 2nd Test

Date: February 6, 2025

Time: 10:00 AM IST

Venue: Galle International Stadium, Galle

Live Streaming: SonyLiv, FanCode

Live Broadcast: Sony Sports

Head-to-Head Record

• Total Test Matches Played: 34
• Sri Lanka Won: 5
• Australia Won: 21
• Last 5 Matches:
  • Sri Lanka: 1 win
  • Australia: 4 wins

Australia has historically dominated this rivalry, but Sri Lanka will look to capitalize on their home conditions to level the series.

Pitch Report & Conditions

The Galle International Stadium is renowned for its spin-friendly surface, and the second Test is expected to follow suit. Spinners will play a pivotal role, with the pitch likely to offer sharp turn and bounce as the match progresses.

• Average 1st Innings Score: 375
• Chasing Record: Teams batting second have struggled historically in Galle, making the toss crucial.
• Weather Report: No rain is predicted for the duration of the match, ensuring a full game of cricket.

Probable XIs

Sri Lanka Playing 11:

1. Dimuth Karunaratne
2. Pathum Nissanka
3. Dinesh Chandimal
4. Angelo Mathews
5. Kamindu Mendis
6. Dhananjaya de Silva
7. Kusal Mendis
8. Prabath Jayasuriya
9. Nishan Peiris
10. Jeffrey Vandersay
11. Asitha Fernando

Australia Playing 11:

1. Usman Khawaja
2. Travis Head
3. Marnus Labuschagne
4. Steven Smith
5. Josh Inglis
6. Beau Webster
7. Alex Carey
8. Mitchell Starc
9. Matthew Kuhnemann
10. Nathan Lyon
11. Todd Murphy

Form and Fitness

• Pathum Nissanka is expected to return to Sri Lanka's lineup after missing the first Test due to injury, bolstering their batting depth.
• Australia has no major injury concerns and is likely to field the same XI that dominated the first Test.

Score Prediction

• Sri Lanka: 350 (1st Innings) | 400 (2nd Innings)
• Australia: 400 (1st Innings) | 450 (2nd Innings)

Players to Perform Prediction

Sri Lanka:

• Dinesh Chandimal: A seasoned campaigner with a knack for scoring big runs in home conditions.
• Prabath Jayasuriya: The left-arm spinner will be Sri Lanka's key weapon on a turning pitch.
• Kamindu Mendis: A promising young all-rounder who could make an impact with both bat and ball.

Australia:

• Usman Khawaja: Australia's batting mainstay, known for his consistency and ability to play long innings.
• Steve Smith: A master of spin bowling, Smith will be crucial in navigating Sri Lanka's spin attack.
• Matthew Kuhnemann: The left-arm spinner is expected to trouble Sri Lanka’s batting lineup.

Best Batsman Prediction

• Sri Lanka: Dinesh Chandimal or Kusal Mendis – Both are in good form and will be key to Sri Lanka’s batting success.
• Australia: Usman Khawaja or Steve Smith – Australia’s batting heavyweights are expected to dominate once again.

Best Bowler Prediction

• Sri Lanka: Prabath Jayasuriya or Jeffrey Vandersay – The spin duo will be pivotal on a turning Galle pitch.
• Australia: Nathan Lyon or Matthew Kuhnemann – Australia’s spinners will look to exploit the conditions and dismantle Sri Lanka’s batting.

Conclusion

The second Test at Galle promises to be an intriguing contest, with Sri Lanka aiming to bounce back on their home soil. However, Australia’s superior record and depth make them the favorites to win the match and seal the series. Sri Lanka will need to put in a flawless performance to challenge the visitors.

Who will prevail? The cricketing world will be watching closely as these two teams battle it out in Galle.