Sri Lanka vs Australia, 1st T20I - Live Cricket Score, Commentary

After being whitewashed 3-0 in the Test series, Australia showed self belief and tenacity to win the ODI series 4-1. Now, the focus shifts to the T20 format. It has to be noted that in the shortest format of the game, the visitors have struggled for consistency. To compound matters, the likes of Aaron Finch, Chris Lynn and Shaun are missing from action due to injuries.

Sri Lanka, on the other hand, would look for a fresh start in the short two-match T20I series. The hosts are coming off a four-match T20I losing streak. Sri Lanka will miss the services of Angelo Mathews, as he was ruled out of both T20Is with a calf strain. Dinesh Chandimal will captain the side in his place.

In fact, Chandimal, Kusal Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva will be expected to shore up a rather inexperienced batting line-up. The two-match series also provides an opportunity for the likes of Milinda Siriwardana, Dasun Shanaka and Kasun Rajitha to prove their worth. Tillakaratne Dilshan, the diligent servant of Sri Lanka cricket for close two decades, will be walk into retirement life after the two T20Is. The doughty opener will aim to leave the big stage with memorable performances. Toss and teams coming up in a few minutes time...

Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to field. The visitors picked Usman Khawaja and George Bailey, while Sri Lanka made six changes from their last ODI.

Teams:

Australia (Playing XI): David Warner(c), Usman Khawaja, Travis Head, George Bailey, Glenn Maxwell, Moises Henriques, Peter Nevill(w), James Faulkner, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Scott Boland

Sri Lanka (Playing XI): Tillakaratne Dilshan, Kusal Perera(w), Dhananjaya de Silva, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal(c), Sachith Pathirana, Chamara Kapugedera, Thisara Perera, Sachithra Senanayake, Suranga Lakmal, Kasun Rajitha

"Brand new wicket. Been 17 T20I games here. SL have won 9. Not much grass. Few cracks. Dry. Not much movement here, gonna be hard and pacy. New ball will skid on under lights. Should be a fantastic wicket for both sides," a very comprehensive pitch report from Damien Martyn.