Changing pitch conditions keeping Australia’s XI in the dark until the toss in Galle

Australia are keeping their cards close to their chest about their XI for the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle.

While the Aussies often like to name a starting side well before the match begins, the changing pitch conditions in Galle are set to delay that call until the eleventh hour.

Apart from confirming a move for Travis Head to the top of the order, stand-in captain Steve Smith says that the side’s make-up - particularly with the bowling attack and how many spinners to play - will be decided on before the toss on Day 1.

“You don’t want to change too much, you want guys to adjust to their roles. So, I think after Travis up top it’ll be pretty constant, I dare say,” Smith told SEN Cricket on Tuesday.

“But we’ve seen a big change in the wicket today from yesterday and even from yesterday to the day before.

“In this part of the world, things can change pretty quickly. Unfortunately, we won’t be able to name a team even though we’d like to.

“But I think for now it’s waiting to see what we’re likely to get on Day 1 and go from there.”

With Head moving to open alongside Usman Khawaja, the No. 5 position has been made vacant, with Josh Inglis tipped to slot in for his Test debut.

While Inglis looms as his likely replacement, Smith didn’t rule out finding a spot for Sam Konstas in the XI and he’s sure the teenager will learn a lot from his first overseas Test tour whether his batting takes place in the middle or in the nets.

“They (Inglis and Konstas) are two really good players, I think we’ve got a great squad here that can fill many holes,” Smith said.

“Sam has been great so far, he’s worked on a few things in the nets, and he hasn’t probably faced these kinds of conditions before, so it’s been a great learning curve for him so far.

“If he gets a chance to play, then I’m sure he’ll learn plenty out in the middle, but if he doesn’t, he’s going to continue to learn in the nets as well.”

Australia’s XI looks set to be named when the toss takes place in Galle half an hour before play at 3:00 pm (AEDT). Listen to every ball LIVE on SEN and the SEN app.

Photo: @tommorris32 on X.