Sri Lanka arrives in Australia for Australian International Under-19 Series
The Sri Lankan under-19 cricket team arrives in Adelaide this Sunday 11 March to embark on a six-game series against the Australian under-19 side.
The tour consists of three one-day internationals followed by three four-day games played in both Adelaide and Perth.
Left-hand batsman and right-arm off spinner Muthundilige Pushpakumara is part of Sri Lanka's squad of 16. Pushpakumara toured South Africa with Sri Lanka's Test side last year.
The Australian under-19 team has not been selected yet. The current squad consists of 24 players and will be reduced to 14 for the series after a trial match on 13 and 14 March at Henley Oval, Adelaide. The Australian team will be announced on 15 March.
Cameron Borgas (South Australia) and Shaun Marsh (Western Australia) are the only players in the Australian squad with first-class experience, while Brett Geeves (Tasmania) and Nathan Hauritz (Queensland) have both made their domestic one-day debuts.
Former Australian wicket-keeper and now coach of the Australian under-19 side, Rod Marsh, says Sri Lanka will be tough opposition.
"Sri Lanka has a history of producing very good underage teams. It won through to the final of last year's Youth World Cup and will be looking to continue that form in Australia. This will be a very good challenge for our boys," Marsh said.
Australia got through to the semi-final of the Youth World Cup before bowing out to eventual winners India.
The first four matches of the Australian International Under-19 Series will be played in Adelaide from Friday 16 March. Both teams will then fly to Perth for the remainder of the series.
According to Ross Turner, the ACB's General Manager of Game Development and Community Cricket, the series is about giving up-and-coming players valuable experience at international level.
"These young men are the future champions of world cricket, so it's crucial for the development of the game that we provide them with experience to compete at the top level," Mr Turner said.
"It also helps to foster a strong relationship with a fellow cricketing nation in Sri Lanka."
The fixture
One-day internationalsFri 16 March Venue TBC Sun 18 March Venue TBC Tue 20 March Adelaide Oval
Four-day matches
Thu 22 March – Sun 25 March St Peter's College, Adelaide Thu 29 March – Sun 1 April Lilac Hill, Perth Wed 4 April – Sat 7 April Perth Cricket Club
© 2001 Australian Cricket Board
| Teams | Australia, Sri Lanka. |
| Tours | Sri Lanka Under-19s in Australia |
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