SRI LANKA CRICKET NEWS
(FEBRUARY 2025)
Compiled by Victor Melder
The touring Australians defeated Sri Lanka by an Innings and 242 runs, in a rain-affected match, in four-days, in the first Test played at Galle International Stadium. Scores:
Australia, 1st Innings – 654/6 dec (Khawaja 232, Smith 41, Inglis 102, Head 57, Carey 46, Vandersay 3/182, Jayasuriya 3/193)
Sri Lanka, 1st Innings – 165 (Chandrasekera 72, de Silva 22, Kuhenemann 5/63, Lyon 3/57, Starc 2/131)
Sri Lanka, 2nd Innings – 247 (Vandersay 53, Mathews 53, de Silva 39, Kusal Mendis 34, Kuhnemann 4/86, Lyon 4/78)
Test Debut: Josh Inglis (Australia)
Player of the Match: Usman Khawaja (Australia)
Points: Australia 12, Sri Lanka 0.
The Sri Lankan cricket selectors have made a bold move by adding Ramesh Mendis to the squad for the highly anticipated 2nd Test match against the visiting Australian team, scheduled to begin on February 6 in Galle. The 29-year-old all-rounder brings a fresh dynamic to the team as they seek to bounce back from their crushing defeat in the first Test. Mendis’ inclusion wasn’t the only change made by the selectors. The squad has seen the return of Pathum Nissanka, who missed the first Test due to injury. His return is expected to bolster the batting line-up, giving Sri Lanka a much-needed edge. In consultation with the team management, the selectors have decided to release two players from the 18-member squad. Lahiru Udara and Vishwa Fernando have been sent back, a decision that underscores the team’s commitment to bringing in fresh energy and talent. Udara, the 31-year-old batter, was not even included in the 15-member team during the first Test, while the 33-year-old left-arm fast bowler Vishwa Fernando was merely an extra in the squad. Their exclusion highlights the tough decisions the selectors are making in their quest to build a stronger team. The first Test was a harsh reality check for the home team, as they suffered a devastating loss by an innings and 242 runs. With the squad now limited to 17 members, the focus shifted to intense practice sessions at the Stadium yesterday. The Sri Lankan team is determined to come back stronger and make a mark in the upcoming match. As the team gears up for the challenge ahead, fans are eagerly waiting to see how these changes will impact the performance on the field. Will the inclusion of Ramesh Mendis and the return of Pathum Nissanka be the game-changers Sri Lanka needs? Only time will tell. Stay tuned for an exciting clash of titans as Sri Lanka takes on Australia in what promises to be a thrilling 2nd Test match. (Daily Mirror, 4.2.2025)
One of Sri Lanka’s most accomplished opening batsmen and former captain, Dimuth Karunaratne, has announced his retirement from cricket following his 100th Test match. His final appearance will be in the second Warne-Murali Test, set to begin on Thursday at the Galle International Cricket Stadium. Karunaratne, who made his Test debut in 2012, will be stepping away from all formats of the game. Over his illustrious career, he has amassed 15 Test centuries and 34 half-centuries, leaving behind a legacy as one of Sri Lanka’s finest batsmen. (Daily News, 4.2.2025)
The touring Australians defeated Sri Lanka by 9 wickets in four-days, in the second Test played at Galle International Stadium. Scores:
Sri Lanka, 1st Innings – 257 (Kusal Mendis 85no, Chandimal 74, Karunaratne 36, Ramesh Mendis 28, Strc 3/37, Kuhneman 3/63, Lyon 3/96)
Australia, 1 st Innings – 414 (Carey 156, Smith 131 Khawaja 36, Jayasuriya 5/151, Peiris 3/94, Ramesh Mendi 2/81)
Sri Lanka, 2nd Innings – 231 (Mathews 76, Kusal Mendis 50, Kuhneman 4/63, Lyon 4/84, Webster 2/6)
Australia, 2nd Innings – 75/1 (Khawaja 27no, Lahuschange 26no, Jayasuriuya 1/20)
Sri Lanka won the 2-macth series 2-0.
Player of the Match: Alex Carey (Australia)
Player of the Series: Steve Smith (Australia)
Test Debut: Cooper Connolly.
Points: Australia 12, Sri Lanka 0.
Left-arm spinner Matt Kuhnemann has been reported for a suspect action following Australia’s Test series in Sri Lanka. Kuhnemann, who claimed 16 wickets in the two matches in Galle, will now have to undergo independent testing at an ICC-accredited centre with Brisbane the likely location. Bowlers are permitted 15 degrees of flex in their actions. It is the first time in a professional career which began in 2017 that Kuhnemann’s action has been called into question. He is able to continue playing domestic cricket while his action is assessed. Should he fail the assessment in the coming weeks he would be banned from bowling until remedial work is undertaken and the corrections are approved. “The Australian team was notified of the match officials’ referral following the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle and will support Matt through the process of clearing this matter,” a CA spokesperson said. “Matt has played 124 professional matches since his debut in 2017, including five Test matches and four One-Day Internationals. He has played 55 Big Bash League games since 2018. No further comment will be made by Cricket Australia or Matthew until the matter is resolved.” Kuhnemann was lauded as Australia’s best bowler in the Sri Lanka series by Nathan Lyon after the duo teamed up to take 30 of the 40 wickets in the 2-0 series sweep. He faced a race against time to be fit for the tour after breaking his thumb in the BBL in mid-January, but made a remarkable recovery to be able to take his place in the side. Kuhnemann has taken 25 wickets in five Tests at an average of 22.20. (Ceylon Today, 13.2.2025)
Sri Lanka ODI squad once again will be led by Charith Asalanka while the presence of white ball specialists Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Avishka Fernando and all- rounder Janith Liyanage will strengthen the side.Dunith Wellalage the spin all rounder is also in the squad along with Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka and Kamindu Mendis who played in the test series. Jeffrey Vandersay the leg spinner also in the squad with two main spinners Hasaranga and Theekshana. Nuwanidu Fernando and Eshan Malinga the two players not included for the last home New Zealand series most probably will be added to the squad ahead of Kusal Janith Perera and Dilshan Madushanka. Australia new look squad. Meanwhile Australia’s squad for the upcoming two-match ODI series against Sri Lanka has been announced. However, the squad was named without a captain. Either Steve Smith or Travis Head will lead the team but Cricket Australia hasn’t confirmed it yet. The head coach Andrew McDonald had confirmed that either Steve Smith or Travis Head will become the team’s captain and he will continue in the role in the Champions Trophy as well. Cricket Australia (CA) was forced to make a few changes after unavailability of some players due to injury and retirement. As a result, the squad looks slightly inexperienced in terms of bowling but has good firepower in the batting department. The 16-member squad consists of a great amount of experience and firepower in the batting department. The experienced all-rounder Glen Maxwell is in the squad However, the team will miss the services of experienced fast bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, who were both ruled out due to injuries. Australia have included Sean Abbott, Spencer Johnson, and Ben Dwarshuis for the Sri Lanka ODIs in the absence of frontline quicks. Leg spinner Tanveer Sangha and left-arm spinning allrounder Cooper Connolly have also found a place. In the absence of Hazlewood and Cummins, Mitchell Starc will lead the attack. Surprisingly, Adam Zampa is not a part of this series as Australia looks for alternative options and will be aiming to test their bench strength. Cricket Australia took this type of decision for the test series against Sri Lanka. Young batter Jake Fraser-McGurk is also included in the squad. He is in line to replace Mitchell Marsh in the Champions Trophy squad, who was also ruled out due to injury. Connolly can be Stoinis’ replacement and can be useful in these conditions. Cummins and Hazlewood were earlier ruled out of the Champions Trophy. Cummins is suffering from an ankle injury while Hazlewood is yet to fully recover from a hip injury. Apart from these two quicks, the squad also doesn’t have Marcus Stoinis, who announced his ODI retirement in a shocking decision just days before the Champions Trophy. Stoinis was a part of the 15-member squad for the tournament. Australia’s squad for the Sri Lanka ODI’s: Travis Head, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey, Aaron Hardie, Glenn Maxwell, Cooper Connolly, Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Ellis, Spencer Johnson, Tanveer Sangha. Sri Lanka ODI squad: Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamindu Mendis, Nuwanidu Fernando, Charith Asalanka (Capt ), Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando, Jeffrey Vandersay, Eshan Malinga, Mohammed Shiraz, Nishan Madushka, Lahiru Kumara. (Daily News, 11.2.2025)
Sri Lanka beat the touring Australians by 49 runs in the first ODI played at R.Premadasa Stadium, Colom,bo. Scores:
Sri Lanka – 214 in 46 Overs (Asalanka 127, Wellalage 30, Abbott 3/61, Hardie 2/13, Ellius 2/23, Johnson 2/44)
Australia – 165 in 33.5 vers (Carey 41, Abbott 20, Zampa 20, Thhekshana 4/40, Fernando 2/23, Wellalage 2/33)
Player of the Match: Charith Asalanka (Sri Lanka)
Sri Lanka beat the touring Australians by 174 runs in the second and final ODI played at R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. Scores:
Sri Lanka – 281/4 in 50 Overs (Kusal Mendis 101, Asalanka 78no, Madushanka 51, Liyanage 32no, Abbott 1/41, Dwarshus 1/47, Zampa 1/47)
Australia – 107 in 24.2 Overs (Smith 29, Inglis 22, Head 18, Wellalage 4/35, Fernando 2/23, Hasaranga 3/23.
Sri Lanka won the 2-match series 2-0.
Player of the Match: Kusal Mendis (Sri Lanka)
Player of the Series: Charith Asalanka (Sri Lanka)
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has imposed a fine of US$ 10,000 on former cricket captain Dasun Shanaka for breaching contractual obligations. According to the SLC, Dasun Shanaka had requested three days’ leave, citing an injury sustained during a domestic match on 02 February 2025. However, during that period, he participated in a foreign franchise league match in Dubai. The SLC stated that it had considered Shanaka’s written response and apology but determined that his actions constituted a breach of contractual obligations. Consequently, the SLC Executive Committee decided to impose a fine of US$ 10,000 as a disciplinary measure and instructed Shanaka to settle the fine on or before 28 February 2025. The SLC also warned Dasun Shanaka that failure to comply might result in further disciplinary action. Former Sri Lanka skipper Dasun Shanaka reportedly suffered a neck injury while playing for the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in February. Sources indicated that he does not regularly play red-ball cricket but joined the match voluntarily as SSC was facing relegation. He left the game after receiving a medical report advising him to rest. Later that evening, he traveled to Dubai, expecting to be available for the International League T20 (ILT20) according to his contract. Feeling fit to play, he underwent a final medical assessment and was cleared to take the field for Dubai Capitals later that day. However, his participation came under scrutiny after it was revealed that he left the Premier League Tier A match of the SSC before its completion. With conflicting reports about his injury status and departure from the SSC match, the SLC conducted an inquiry to determine whether all protocols were properly followed and if any rules were violated. (Ceylon Today, 20.2.2025)
Australia spinner Matthew Kuhnemann, who was reported for an illegal bowling action during the second Test against Sri Lanka last month, has been cleared by the world cricket’s governing body. Kuhnemann’s action has now been deemed to be legal and the left-arm spinner will continue to bowl in international cricket. The 28-year-old had underwent an independent bowling assessment at the National Cricket Centre in Brisbane, where it was revealed that the amount of elbow extension for all his deliveries was within the 15-degree level of tolerance permitted under the ICC Illegal Bowling Regulations. Kuhnemann had been the key protagonist in Australia’s 2-0 ICC World Test Championship series win in Sri Lanka, where he finished with 16 wickets from the two matches. The left-arm orthodox who made his Test debut for Australia back in 2023 has 25 wickets to his name so far from five outings. (Daily Mirror, 26.2.2025)
