Aaron Finch, Australia’s captain, hopes that the cricket series will bring “joy” to crisis-hit Sri Lanka. During their tour of Sri Lanka, Australia will play three T20s, five one-day internationals, and two Test matches.
Australia’s cricketers hope to bring “joy” to Sri Lanka, according to white-ball captain Aaron Finch. As the island nation prepares for a seven-week tour amid an unprecedented economic crisis. The squad arrived in Sri Lanka on Wednesday for their first all-format series in six years. At a time when fuel shortages, rolling blackouts, and political turmoil have made life difficult for many. The tour has raise security concerns in the Australian camp following last month’s deadly unrest in Sri Lanka. Finch said his team is excited to be in the country.
“We’re here to play cricket and hopefully… bring some joy and entertainment to Sri Lanka,” he said during an online press conference.
“It’s a truly unique place to visit. The hospitality, friendliness, and love for the game that you receive here is incredible “he said.
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Sri Lanka Tour: Australia will play three Twenty20 internationals, five one-day internationals, and two Test matches.
The series-opening Twenty20 international will be play under lights on Tuesday in Colombo, where residents have been subject to frequent power outages and long lines for fuel.
Cricket Australia boss Todd Greenberg said last month that players were aware of the situation in the island nation and express “discomfort” about touring in conditions that contrast with those faced by the people of Sri Lanka.
Australia last visited the country in 2016, but has played regularly against Sri Lanka at home, including a Twenty20 international series in February that the hosts won 4-1.
Finch stated that his team would remain vigilant during the upcoming series and that he expected strong performances from batsman Kusal Mendis and spinner Wanindu Hasaranga.
“If you just look at the top order, you’ve got Kusal, who can be as destructive as anyone on his day, and obviously Hasaranga has had an incredible couple of years in T20 cricket,” Finch said.
“We had a few close series against them… they’re a very dangerous side,” he added.
The 20-over series, according to Finch, will help his top-ranked side prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup, and he expects spinner Ashton Agar, who is replacing Adam Zampa on the tour, to get plenty of opportunities to shine.
“He’s one of the best in the world for Australia in the Twenty20 format,” Finch said.
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