Australia and Sri Lanka are set to square off in a five match T20 series in preparation of the WT20 later this year. The first game of the series is going to be played on at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), and in this article, we will be previewing the venue’s pitch report, T20 records, weather patterns, and more ahead of the 1st AUS vs SL T20I match.
Team Forms
Both the teams will be competing in an international T20 match after a long layoff. Having said that, Australia, the incumbent defending champions, arrive into the series with a clear advantage in terms of their players’ form and pedigree. The hosts, for all intents and purposes, will be fielding a full-strength side, with David Warner and Mitch Marsh being the only notable absentees. Moreover, the fact that several of their senior players have come under scrutiny for former coach Justin Langer’s ‘controversial’ departure from the team should only serve to make them even more dangerous than they are.
Sri Lanka, despite the long layoff from T20 internationals, arrive in Australia with at the back of an impressive ODI series win against Zimbabwe. The squad for this series is interesting in the fact that it features several promising new faces from the Lanka Premier League. Moreover, Danushka Gunathilaka and Kusal Mendis, two of their most flamboyant batsmen, are back into the T20 setup after a lengthy ban, and are expected to contribute positively to the side’s overall morale. With a decent mix of rookies and experienced pros, built around a lineup of prodigal talents like Wanindu Hasaranga, expect the Lions to give the men-in-black-and-yellow a good fight for their money.
Match Details for Australia vs Sri Lanka, 1st T20I
Date: 11 February 2022
Time: 1: 40 PM IST
Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground
SCG T20 records
With its short boundaries and fast, bouncy wicket, the SCG happens to be a venue tailormade for batsmen to prove their mettle. Having said that, pacers who tend to bowl at fast and hard lengths also savor the prospect of picking up wickets at this ground.
| Total matches | 10 |
| Matches won batting first | 4 |
| Matches won bowling first | 5 |
| Average 1st Inns scores | 160 |
| Average 2nd Inns scores | 140 |
| Highest total recorded | 221/5 (20 Ov) by AUS vs ENG |
| Highest score chased | 200/3 (20 Ov) by IND vs AUS |
| Lowest score defended | 134/5 (20 Ov) by AUSW vs RSAW |
Batsman with the most runs at this venue: Virat Kohli (India), 236 runs in 4 innings.
Bowler with the most wickets at this venue: Andrew Tye (Australia), 7 wickets in 5 innings.
ALSO READ: Australia vs Sri Lanka 2022 T20 Series Live Telecast Channel & Streaming Details in India
Sydney Cricket Ground Pitch Report
The high-scoring nature of this surface makes it evident that batters have a de facto advantage on this ground. Fast bowlers have to bowl at hard and fast lengths to pick up wickets, while spinners who tend to lure batters into playing big shots have found a good amount of success bowling here.
Sydney Weather Report for AUS vs SL match
There is prediction for some rain and lighting on Friday at the SCG, so fans could be in for a delayed start to the match.