SL vs AUS 1st Test: Galle International Cricket Stadium Pitch Report, Records, Highest and Lowest Totals
Galle offers a spin-friendly wicket that only becomes more challenging as the match progresses.
Sri Lanka and Australia are set to face each other in the first Test of the two-match series at the Galle International Stadium, starting January 29. Sri Lanka will look to bounce back after their recent series defeat against South Africa. The team will rely on players like Dhananjaya de Silva, Pathum Nissanka, and Prabath Jayasuriya to handle the Australian challenge.
Australia, fresh from a historic Border-Gavaskar Trophy win, enters the series without their regular captain, Pat Cummins. Stand-in skipper Steve Smith confirmed that Travis Head will open the innings alongside Usman Khawaja. Sam Konstas is likely to bat in the middle order. With spinners like Matt Kuhnemann and Todd Murphy back in the side, Australia will look to counter the spin-friendly conditions in Galle.
Pitch Report
The Galle International Cricket Stadium is famous for its spin-friendly surface. Spinners are expected to dominate the game from the very first day, with cracks appearing on the pitch as the match progresses. Batting in the fourth innings is always a tough challenge due to uneven bounce and excessive turn. Pacers often have minimal impact here, with spinners playing a decisive role in determining the match outcome.
In the last Test match played at this venue, Sri Lanka secured a massive innings victory over New Zealand. The hosts posted 602/5 declared in the first innings, with New Zealand managing just 88 in response. They followed on and were dismissed for 360 in their second innings.
Galle International Stadium Test Records
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Matches Played | 46 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 25 |
| Matches Won Bowling First | 15 |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 369 |
| Average 2nd Innings Score | 309 |
| Average 3rd Innings Score | 239 |
| Average 4th Innings Score | 159 |
| Highest Total Recorded | 704/3 by SL vs IRE |
| Lowest Total Recorded | 73 by RSA vs SL |
| Highest Score Chased | 344/6 by PAK vs SL |
| Lowest Score Defended | 117 by PAK vs SL |
