Explore the Predicted Australia’s playing XI for the second Test against Sri Lanka. Australia head into the second Test match against Sri Lanka in Galle on the back of their huge win in the first Test. Usman Khawaja’s double ton and centuries from skipper Steve Smith and debutant Josh Inglis saw the visiting side post a huge score on the board. With the ball, it was the spin trio of Nathan Lyon, Matthew Kuhnemann, and Todd Murphy who did the damage to ensure Sri Lanka’s biggest loss in Test cricket.
Speaking to the media ahead of the game, opening batter Travis Head said “t probably looks a little bit dry but looks a really good wicket still. As we know, over the next couple of days we’ll see how that plays out and where we get to on the first morning. It probably looks like it’s got a little bit less grass on it than the previous Test.
Travis Head also said “It looks like it will spin earlier, but it looks at the moment like the first couple of days will be good for batting and then it will spin. And what we saw in the first Test was probably that day three moments where it shifted to heavy spin, and we were able to capture the moments. Like we’ve said in the last couple of weeks, it’s just being able to adapt when that moment, that shift happens”
Top order:
It was a welcome return to form for veteran batter Usman Khawaja. The 38-year-old became the first Aussie batter to register a double ton in Sri Lanka with his knock of 232 in the first Test last week. Travis Head was his aggressive self as he went after the bowlers and single-handedly put the Sri Lankan bowlers under pressure.
Middle Order:
Australia’s only concern so far with the bat has been the form of Marnus Labuschagne. The 30-year-old needs a big score as questions about his place in the side have picked up. Steve Smith scored his 35th ton last week and also became the latest entrant to the 10,000-run club in Test cricket. Josh Inglis who came in for Sam Konstas made a great start with a debut ton to join a select band of Aussie batters to achieve this feat.
Lower-order:
Alex Carey played a key role with the bat as he scored 46 not out to help his side go past 650 runs. Beau Webster had a quiet game as he batted just once and didn’t get a chance to bowl. Mitchell Starc is set to play his 96th Test and will look to play a huge role in a rare series sweep.
Tail enders:
Matthew Kuhnemann was the best bowler for Australia in the last game taking nine wickets which included a fifer. Nathan Lyon picked seven wickets which included the scalp of Dinesh Chandimal twice in a single session. Todd Murphy picked just one wicket but became threatening as the game went on and will look to pick huge bag of wickets in the second Test.
Australia X vs Sri Lanka
Usman Khawaja, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey, Beau Webster, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Matthew Kuhnemann, and Todd Murphy.
Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.
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