As the opening test of the 2025 series against Sri Lanka comes around, Steve Smith is ready to go back as Australia’s captain.
Steve Smith Returns To Galle As Captain
The Galle International Stadium is a beauty and an eye opener to what lies in store. Having seen everything and anything in his distinguished career, it was only on Tuesday that Steve Smith came to this shrine to find himself warmly culturally greeted with energetic Sri Lankan folk dancers, masks and even flame throwers, but the Australian captain had eyes for only one thing, the 22 yards of turf that were going to decide the match.
An Uncertain Deck At Galle
As is always the case, the battle will be fought at Galle. First item on Smith’s agenda was to get a close-up look at the surface from every angle, something he did with equal parts curiosity and urgency. The pitch, as of the eve of the Test, seemed to be in a rather unpredictable state with heavy rainfall earlier in the week leaving thick clouds and extreme humidity hanging over the stadium. There is no telling how it’s going to come out despite all the ground staff’s efforts-be it cutting short the grasses or employing that UV light device-as is often so in Galle, it shall be one major determinant of match intensity.
Drama At Galle Through Time
From Nathan Lyon’s debut in 2011 to the very narrow contests of 2022, Galle has always been a stage for drama between Australia and Sri Lanka. But this series carries an extra weight for the Australians: they have already qualified for the World Test Championship final, but their record in Sri Lanka is at stake. Australia hasn’t won a Test series on the island in 14 years and, for Smith, it feels like something he wants to put right.
Electric Atmosphere At Galle
The atmosphere at Galle is electric, the local crowd adding their fervour to the mix. The Papare music of the Galle Cricket Club and the busy fort add to that distinct energy, defining this coastal venue. The game is everything, but above all the celebrations outside of the pitch. With nothing much to lose, Australia feels it is quite set on the right note at making the record straight. For Steve Smith, nothing proves the point in this task of accepting the challenge to lead his team into victory.
Josh Inglis To Debut
Josh Inglis is all set to get a match day call, this contest could turn out to be both interesting as it is demanding. And so much for this series for the batsman Steve Smith—is a chance of completing what hasn’t been complete yet.
The Sportz Planet Desk,
Atharva Shetye