COLOMBO: Sri Lanka yesterday changed the venue for the second and third one-day internationals of the ongoing five-match home series against New Zealand due to heavy rain ruining ground conditions.
Pallekele will replace Colombo as the venue for the matches tomorrow and Tuesday, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) said in a statement.
“This decision was made considering the prevailing weather patterns and available ground conditions,” it said. “SLC will be constantly monitoring weather conditions for further review.”
Rain in Pallekele has already marred a one-off Twenty20 international and the opening one-dayer, which were abandoned.
Hambantota is scheduled to host the last two one-day internationals on November 10 and 12. Sri Lanka and New Zealand will also play two Tests after the one-day series.
Steyn strikes early before Australia A recovery
SYDNEY: Australia A recovered from an early setback to thwart South Africa’s Test-strength bowling attack on the opening day of their three-day tour match at the Sydney Cricket Ground yesterday.
Australia A fought back from 44 for three in the 14th over to be 325 for seven off 90 overs at the close after winning the toss in the tour warm-up game before next week’s opening Test in Brisbane.
Spearheaded by premier paceman Dale Steyn, the Proteas started strongly, capturing three wickets cheaply midway through the first session. But a 122-run stand between opener Rob Quiney (85) and Steve Smith (67) lifted Australia A.
The first of three Tests gets underway at the Gabba on November 9.
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