Australia lose to Sri Lanka in Champions Trophy build-up
Australia’s difficult build-up to the Champions Trophy was hit further by a 49-run defeat by Sri Lanka in Colombo.
Mitchell Starc became the latest player to withdraw from the tournament earlier on Wednesday and the 50-over world champions were then bowled out for 165 in the first of two matches.
Having dismissed Sri Lanka for 215 despite a century from Charith Asalanka, Australia lost opener Matt Short for a duck lbw to the second ball of the chase.
Youngsters Jake Fraser-McGurk and Cooper Connolly followed for two and three respectively and Steve Smith, Australia’s captain for the Champions Trophy in the absence of injured skipper Pat Cummins, followed for 12.
The tourists rebuilt to 83-4 but Marnus Labuschagne fell lbw to spinner Maheesh Theekshana for 15 and Alex Carey was caught in the next over for 41.
Australia were bowled out in 33.5 overs with Theekshana taking 4-40 for Sri Lanka, who failed to qualify for the Champions Trophy.
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