By Amindha de Alwis

Sri Lanka’s five-match T20I series versus reigning T20 world champions Australia which is set to get underway this Friday in Sydney will be massively important ahead of this year’s T20 World Cup, according to Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka.

“It is an extremely important tour for both batters and bowlers. For the batsmen, getting amongst the runs and getting their confidence up is important, and the same goes for the bowlers who can get an idea of the lines they need to bowl and how they should approach certain situations. Playing this series before the T20 World Cup is a big plus point for us I feel,” he said.

Shanaka indicated that his side will most likely commence the series with a similar bowling composition to which they employed in last year’s T20 World Cup held in Oman and the UAE.

“Australian pitches tend to be fast tracks. We do not expect to receive pitches that favour us over here. We would most probably go with the same bowling composition we went with in the World Cup where we played two fast-bowlers, two spinners and two all-rounders. This is how we will probably start off the series with,” Shanaka conveyed.

Shanaka also spoke on the value of having former fast-bowler Lasith Malinga,who is on tour as the team’s bowling strategy coach, with the side to share his knowledge and experience.

“The knowledge he brings in is extremely valuable. As someone who has played at such a high level, he has experienced and knows how to handle tough situations. Also, he is a player who has captained at international level and has a good record there as well. So, his presence is a great strength to the team and our bowlers will benefit a lot from his experience on how to approach situations,” he said.

Sri Lanka has selected a bevy of openers in their touring party and Shanaka indicated that the choice of whom to partner Pathum Nissanka at the top of the order had not yet been settled on with Avishka Fernando and the returning Danushka Gunathilaka both in contention.

“Pathum (Nissanka) opened for us in the World Cup, so he will definitely play in that position. The selectors and coaches have talked about his opening partner, and you will see who we go with come the opening game,” Shanaka stated.

Top run-getter in the recently concluded Lanka Premier League, Kusal Mendis, too would have been in the running for the opener’s spot but the right-hander has been forced out of at least the start of the series owing to a positive Covid-19 test on February 7.

Chamika Karunaratne and Nuwan Thushara who both contracted the virus prior to their departure from the Sri Lanka, however, are both expected to be available for selection come the series opener.

The ICC’s number one ranked T20I bowler, Wanindu Hasaranga will make a return to national duty after having missed January’s ODI series with Zimbabwe due to injury. Shanaka indicated that the leg-spinner will play in tandem with Maheesh Theekshana as was the case in the T20 World Cup.

“We are looking to go with the combination of Wanindu (Hasaranga) and Maheesh (Theekshana). Maheesha keeps it tight with the new ball and Wanindu is an attacking bowler. Should Wanindu have any injury issues Jeffrey (Vandersay) will come into the side,” the Sri Lankan skipper said.

Tour Itinerary:

• First T20I: February 11 in Sydney
• Second T20I: February 13 in Sydney
• Third T20I: February 15 in Canberra
• Fourth T20I: February 18 in Melbourne
• Fifth T20I: February 20 in Melbourne