Last Updated on 14 hours by Charbel Coorey
Despite a massive win in the 1st Test, Australia are considering changes for the 2nd Test also in Galle. Australia’s team combination worked nicely in the opening clash and more of the same is expected, but there could be a personnel change or two.
According to a report in the Sydney Morning Herald, Australia are set to replace Beau Webster or Todd Murphy with Cooper Connolly on a Galle surface expected to turn even more. The move would be harsh on Webster who enjoyed an excellent debut against India last month, but Connolly’s spin – which Steve Smith was in praise of on match-eve – could sway the selectors.
Predicted XI for Australia for 2nd Test: Potential debut & Marnus seems safe, for now
1. Usman Khawaja, 2. Travis Head, 3. Marnus Labuschagne, 4. Steve Smith (c), 5. Josh Inglis, 6. Alex Carey (wk), 7. Beau Webster, 8. Cooper Connolly, 9. Mitchell Starc, 10. Nathan Lyon, 11. Matt Kuhnemann
Marnus Labuschagne’s place in the XI was under threat after struggling on the first day of the series. Legspinner Jeffrey Vandersay had his number as Labuschagne fought hard for 20 off 50 balls in an innings where Usman Khawaja (232), Steve Smith (141) and Josh Inglis (102) all scored tons in Australia’s highest-ever total in Asia.
With one hundred in his past 49 innings, there have been calls for Labuschagne to make way. However, Smith confirmed the top order would remain the same, backing Australia’s number three to come good.
“I can’t see the top six changing, I daresay that’ll be the same,” said Smith, as quoted by The Roar.
“(Labuschagne) played nicely at the back end of the summer, he looked like he was putting the pressure on the bowlers a little bit more.
“The more difficult the wicket is in terms of how much it’s spinning, the more aggressive you have to be with your batting and the more proactive you have to be.
“He understands that, he understands spin and angles as good as anyone. I don’t think he’s far away from a good score.”
Who would Cooper Connolly come in for?
Another point of conjecture for Australia is who Cooper Connolly would replace. Beau Webster was not called on with the ball in the opening Test, but he provides the kind of batting depth that may be required on a turning pitch. So, Todd Murphy, who played third fiddle to Nathan Lyon and Matt Kuhnemann, could make way, as reported by CODE Cricket.
Replacing Murphy with Connolly may be seen as risky given the latter is yet to take a First Class wicket. However, Smith said Connolly’s consistency at training has been impressive, and such bowling can be rewarded on a helpful surface.
“He was pretty consistent when he was bowling in Dubai [in the training camp] and in the nets here,” Smith said. “That’s kind of all you’ve got to do in these conditions, just try and bowl as many good balls in a good area and let the conditions take over.”
A win or draw would seal Australia’s first series win in Sri Lanka since 2011. Also, Australia have won just one series in Asia overall since that triumph 14 years ago – against Pakistan in 2022.
In fact, Australia have not won two Tests in a series in Asia since beating Bangladesh 2-0 in 2006; the tour most remembered for Jason Gillespie’s double century. This represents a great opportunity, but expect Sri Lanka to fight back hard in Dimuth Karunaratne’s 100th and final Test.