Australia to play two Test matches at Galle

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya

The Australian cricket team will arrive in Sri Lanka on January 20 for a series comprising two Test matches and one One-Day International (ODI). 

Sri Lanka Cricket said that the Test matches will be held at the Galle International Cricket Stadium while the ODI will take place at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota.

The first Test match will take place from January 29 to February 2, followed by the second Test from February 6 to 10. The ODI match will be a day-night fixture, scheduled for February 13. 

These Test matches are part of the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC), with South Africa having already secured their spot in the final. 

Australia’s convincing victory in the fourth Test against India in Melbourne has bolstered their chances of reaching the WTC 2025 final, requiring just one more win to guarantee a place at Lord’s.

India is still in contention for the second spot, but their qualification depends on a series of favorable outcomes. For India to reach the final, they must win their final Test against Australia and hope for a favorable result (or a 0-0 draw) during Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka.

While South Africa’s qualification has all but ended Sri Lanka’s chances, the island nation is holding onto slim hopes. 

Sri Lanka’s remarkable win over England in the third Test and their recent 2-0 whitewash of New Zealand gave them momentum. However, a 2-0 loss to South Africa has significantly hurt their chances. 

To stay in the race for the WTC final, Sri Lanka must win both Tests against Australia at home and hope that the fifth Test between Australia and India in Sydney ends in a draw.