Extra ODI announced in Australia’s Sri Lanka tour schedule

Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka has been extended with the addition of a second ODI, giving the visitors extra preparation ahead of the Champions Trophy. The two ODIs will now be played on February 12 and 14 at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium, both scheduled as day matches.  

The extra ODI comes just two days after the second Test in Galle, which could pose challenges for players involved in both formats. If the Test goes to the fifth day, it may be difficult for those players to recover in time for the ODI.  

Australia’s Champions Trophy squad includes nine players not part of the Test series, such as skipper Pat Cummins and pacer Josh Hazlewood. However, Cummins’ availability remains uncertain as he continues to recover from an ankle injury sustained during the India Test series.  

The ODI players are expected to join the squad in Sri Lanka around the start of the second Test. The Champions Trophy begins shortly after, with Australia facing England on February 22, South Africa on February 25, and Afghanistan on February 28.  

The semi-finals are scheduled for March 4 in Dubai and March 5 in Lahore, following the hybrid hosting model. The final will take place on March 9, either in Dubai or Lahore, depending on India’s progress in the tournament.