Sri Lanka vs Australia Live Score, 1st ODI

We are moments away from the first ball, but before that, Charith Asalanka and Steven Smith lead their respective sides out for the national anthems. It will be the Australian national anthem first, followed by that of Sri Lanka.

PITCH REPORT - Farveez Maharoof is near the deck. He informs that the last day game at this venue was played in 2014. He describes the surface as very bare with minimal grass cover. Adds that the new ball is expected to be the best time to bat, with the ball skidding onto the bat early on. Mentions that as the game progresses, significant turn is expected, making life difficult for batters. Feels that seamers will need to rely on their variations to be effective. Informs that the square boundaries are evenly set at 65 meters on both sides. Further says that a score of around 240 is expected to be par on this wicket.

The captain of Australia, Steven Smith says that they would have batted first as well. Observes that the pitch is dry and expects to break as the match goes on. On team news, he says there's a lot to digest and informs that Jake Fraser-McGurk and Matthew Short will be opening for them and also mentions that the likes of Travis Head, Maxwell, and Josh Inglis are not playing. Says Sri Lanka is always a good place to play cricket and ends by adding that the boys are excited and just want to get into the tempo of ODI cricket.

The Sri Lankan captain, Charith Asalanka says that they are going to bat first. Reckons that this is a dry wicket and they aim to put a total around the 270-run mark. Hopes that they can bat well and restrict Australia later. Informs that they are going with 6 batters and 5 bowlers, including 2 all-rounders.

Australia (Playing XI) - Matthew Short, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Cooper Connolly, Steven Smith (C), Marnus Labuschagne, Alex Carey (WK), Aaron Hardie, Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, Spencer Johnson, Adam Zampa.

Sri Lanka (Playing XI) - Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (WK), Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (C), Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando.

Toss Update - The flip of the coin lands in the favor of Sri Lanka and Charith Asalanka says, they will BAT first.