Australia look to reverse Asia failures

Angelo Mathews (left) and Steven Smith pose with the Warne-Murali Trophy in Colombo. (Photo: AP)

Australia are looking to take advantage of Sri Lanka’s losing streak to turn around their own Test match failures in Asia.

Captain Steven Smith said that success was hard to come by for Australia in Asia in recent years but the three-Test series in Sri Lanka — starting July 26 — offered a chance to change that.

Since winning their last three-match series in Sri Lanka 1-0 five years ago, Australia lost their matches in a series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates and on a tour of India — 2-0 and 4-0 respectively.

Sri Lanka have lost five out of six Test series in the past two years as they struggle to rebuild after the retirement of key players Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene.

Sri Lanka have also been hit by injuries with fast bowlers Dhammika Prasad, Dushmantha Chameera and Suranga Lakmal all injured during their last series in England. Another fast bowler Shaminda Eranga was reported for an illegal bowling action during that tour and subsequently suspended by the International Cricket Council.

Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews said his team has prepared well for the Australians, despite the setbacks.

Australia has a relatively young side with only four players — David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon and Shaun Marsh — of its 15-member squad having played a Test match in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka last week returned from their two-month tour of the British Isles with just two victories to their name — a pair of ODIs against Ireland. “I think playing a really tough series in England has certainly toughened up a lot of players that are in the early stages of their career,” Ford said at the official welcome press conference in Colombo.

“It is an adjustment for us to get used to the conditions back at home, but it’s always easier to come home and adjust.”