Australia name playing XI for first Test against Sri Lanka

Australia have opted for a two-man spin attack for the first Test against Sri Lanka. Both the available spinners – left arm spinner Steven O’Keefe and off-spinner Nathan Lyon will share the spin bowling responsibilities on the dry & dusty wicket.

Australian coach Darren Lehmann had earlier indicated that the management might choose both the spinner in the first XI if the conditions favour. The heavy cloudy conditions and moisture in the surface meant that Australia had to drop their preferred three-man fast bowling attack. Of Mitchell Starc, Jackson Bird and Josh Hazlewood.

The weather conditions at the venue has not been very pleasant. There have been continuous thunderstorms and the pitch remained under cover on Sunday. Pallekalle has a history of bad weather interrupting the matches

Of the four Test matches played at Pallekele Stadium since it was built for the 2011 ICC World Cup, all have been affected by rain with the first three – involving the West Indies in 2010, Australia the following year and Pakistan in 2012 – ending in draws.

Also, read – Fake Fb Wall: Ben Stokes trolls West Indies after their defeat against India

Opener David Warner, who had suffered a blow to the neck while practicing, return to the outfit and will have his Test partner Joe Burns with him at the top. Usman Khawaja and skipper Steve Smith with take up the No.3 and No.4 spot while veteran Adam Voges, all-rounder Mitchell Marsha and wicket keeper batsmen Peter Nevill will take care of the middle order.

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