World Champions Australia's 174-run drubbing against Sri Lanka in the second ODI at the R. Premadasa stadium exposed their preparations for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025, which is set to start from February 19. Australia not only lost the match by a big margin but also suffered a 0-2 ODI series sweep. With this Australia also recorded their biggest defeat against Sri Lanka in ODIs in a bilateral series.
Batting first, Sri Lanka posted a challenging total of 281/5, fueled by a stroke-filled century from wicket-keeper Kusal Mendis. Captain Charith Asalanka and Janith Liyanage then provided a strong finish to the innings, combining for a crucial 66-run partnership off just 35 balls for the fifth wicket. Asalanka remained unbeaten on a well-paced 78 off 66 balls, while Liyanage contributed a quickfire 32 from 21 deliveries.
In reply, Australia's batting was a total disaster as they were succumbed to Dunith Wellalage's spin wizardry and were eventually folded for just 107 runs.
Brad Hodge questions Australia's Champions Trophy preparations
Meanwhile right after the match, former Australia's ace spinner Brad Hodge questioned the World Champions' preparations for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. He said that questions are going to be asked from Australia's team management about the preparations for the Champions Trophy following their dismal show in the ODI series against Sri Lanka.
“Questions are going to be asked (before the Champions Trophy) ... the batting performance has been well short of where it needed to be,” ex-Australia's star batter Brad Hodge said on broadcast post-game.
Australia's preparations for the Champions Trophy is already hampered by the absence of key players including pacers Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, as well as all-rounders Mitchell Marsh and the retired Marcus Stoinis. The hefty defeat against Sri Lanka certainly comes as a massive setback for the reigning ODI World Cup champions.
Meanwhile, Australia captain Steve Smith rued team's massive loss and admitted that they were completely outplayed by Sri Lanka in the last two games.
"We have been outplayed in these last two games, we have used a lot of players here. We kept moving forward but credit to Sri Lanka. They have been brilliant in this series. Their bowlers played exceptionally well, it skidded on well on this wicket and made things tough. It has been a fun time here in Sri Lanka, some great memories. We appreciate the hospitality and glad to be a part of some good cricket as well," Steve Smith said after the post-match presentation.