Sri Lanka to host Australia as SLC announces schedule for SL vs AUS 2025 Test series

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced the schedule for the home Test series against Australia early next year. Galle will host both Tests starting January 29 and February 6, respectively. The tourists will also play a solitary ODI but the venue and date for the same is yet to be considered.

The opening Test of the series is scheduled from January 29 to February 2, while the second is slated to take place on February 6 to February 10. The Warne-Muralitharan Trophy will be on the line, with Australia as its holders.

The series is part of the World Test Championship (WTC). Australia are currently ranked second in the standings, while Sri Lanka are third. Defending champions Australia could seal a spot in the final if they blank India 5-0 in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy on home soil. However, the Aussies' chances might also take a hit if they lose both Tests against the Lankans.

While the Lankans appear formidable at home, evident by recently defeating New Zealand 2-0, their chances of making it to the WTC final could be in jeopardy during a tough South Africa tour. Dhananjaya de Silva and company will tour South Africa for two Tests in late November.

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Australia and Sri Lanka played out a 1-1 draw on the previous occasion in 2022

Pat Cummins and Dimuth Karunaratne with the Warne-Muralitharan Trophy. (Credits: SLC Twitter)

The two sides won one Test each the last time Australia toured Sri Lanka. The visitors won the first Test by 10 wickets after Usman Khawaja and Cameron Green's vital half-centuries, followed by the spinners wreaking havoc.

Nevertheless, the hosts staged a comeback with an innings and 39-run victory as Dinesh Chandimal and Prabath Jayasuriya played crucial roles.

The 1-1 result meant Australia retained the Warne-Muralitharan Trophy by virtue of being the defending champions.