After winning the three-match T20I series by 2-1, Australia are preparing for the five-match ODI against Sri Lanka. The Aussies won the first two T20Is to take an unassailable lead in the series before the hosts won the last one. Sri Lanka skipper Dasun Shanaka and Chamika Karunaratne won the game for their side from the jaws of defeat.
Meanwhile, ahead of the first ODI between both teams, Australia pacer Pat Cummins and batter Marnus Labuschagne were seen practising in the nets with intensity. Although it was net practice, it looked like they were playing a match. In the video uploaded by cricket.com.au, both players played with great skills especially given the heat in the Asian country at this time of the year.
Watch the video here
Sound on for this one! It was Cummins v Labuschagne in the Pallekele nets ahead of the first #SLvAUS ODI pic.twitter.com/9vZKwQfX9z
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) June 13, 2022
The first ODI will be played in Pallekele on June 14. On this ground, the third T20 was also played as well. In the 50-over format, both teams have had a little rough time in the last few ODIs. The Dasun Shanaka-led side have won three but lost two. Two out of three wins came against Zimbabwe this year while one came against South Africa last year.
On the other hand, the Aaron Finch-led side lost three-match ODI series against Pakistan in April this year by 2-1. They would look to build some momentum in the format as they won only one game this year. However, not to forget, teams around the globe haven’t been playing the ODI format in the last couple of years. Coming back to the series, the teams would want to start their preparation for the 2023 ODI World Cup.
Another important point to be noted is that this series isn’t part of the World Cup Super League, which is a qualification tournament for the teams. The five-time ODI World Cup winners are in the seventh position while the 1996 winners are placed ninth. Both teams won’t have any pressure of losing or gaining points but can focus on building a team.
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