Sri Lanka vs Australia 1st Test Prediction

If AUS Bat First

Predicted Score: Around 350

David Warner has recovered from his finger injury and is likely to open the batting alongside Khawaja. Joe Burns made 170 and 65 in Australia's last test against New Zealand while Smith and Voges also played big knocks in the same series. Except Warner who can be a bit tentative on such a surface, Australia's batting looks solid enough and that total of 350 shouldn't be far from their grasp if they don’t give away too many wickets at the start.

Sri Lanka have lost their three frontline bowlers in Dhammika Prasad, Jeffrey Vandersay and Dushmantha Chameera due to injury while Shaminda Eranga is serving suspension for illegal bowling action. Their absence is going to put enormous pressure on Herath and Mathews. These two will be their main weapon with the ball and they will need to take wickets if Sri Lanka are to keep Australia below the predicted score.

SL vs AUS Head-to-Head Record

Australia have so far played 13 tests in Sri Lanka against the hosts. Six of them were won by the visitors, six were drawn and one was won by the home team back in 1999. Seven of the last 10 tests between the two sides have been won by Australia with the rest resulting in a draw. The only game between them at this venue was played in 2011 which also ended in a draw.

Our Prediction

Australia will be coming into this match with seven victories in their last 10 tests. Sri Lanka, on the contrary, have six defeats in their last 10 tests and are coming from a winless tour of England. In spite of making drastic changes to their squad and trying out several team combinations, the Lankans are yet to find a way to get back on track in the longest format of the game.

Though Sri Lanka may feel a little comfortable playing at home, injuries to most of their key players will make it even harder for them to overcome a strong Australian side. So we're going to back Australia here to win the first test and take a 1-0 lead in the series.