Australia's ODI team, missing key players due to injuries, will face Sri Lanka in a two-match warm-up series ahead of the Champions Trophy. Captain Steve Smith, while recovering from an elbow injury, acknowledges the importance of the tournament while managing his physical limitations. The series will also serve as a chance for Australia's selectors to assess the recently added players and fine-tune their strategies for the upcoming challenges.
Australia's ODI squad, hampered by injuries to key players like Pat Cummins, Mitch Marsh, Josh Hazlewood, and the recently retired Marcus Stoinis, faces a two-match warm-up series against Sri Lanka in Colombo. Captain Steve Smith, while recovering well from his elbow injury sustained during the Big Bash, admits his throwing will be limited, posing a potential challenge for the team's fielding.
Despite the setbacks, Smith led Australia to a triumphant Test series victory in Galle, showcasing his batting prowess with two centuries in two innings. He acknowledges the importance of the upcoming Champions Trophy in Pakistan, stating, “It’s a big ICC tournament for us. While our focus is firmly on finishing this series on a strong note, there is no denying that the Champions Trophy is looming large. We want to make sure we carry good form into that competition.”Australia's selectors have bolstered the squad with six additional players, including Jake Fraser-McGurk, Cooper Connolly, Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Spencer Johnson, and Tanveer Sangha. This influx of talent provides valuable depth and options as the team prepares for the crucial ODI series. The matches will be played as day games due to ongoing renovations at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium, which will host the 2026 T20 World Cup alongside India. Sri Lanka, aiming to regain their footing after their World Cup disappointment, will be motivated to perform against Australia. Stand-in captain Charith Asalanka emphasizes the team's commitment to learning from their past performance and securing a brighter future.
AUSTRALIA CRICKET SRI LANKA CRICKET ODI CHAMPIONS TROPHY STEVE SMITH INJURIES CHARITH ASALANKA
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