Cricket is a bat-and-ball team sport played between two teams, typically consisting of eleven players each. The game is played on a circular or oval-shaped field, with a 22-yard long rectangular pitch in the center. One team, known as the batting team, attempts to score runs by hitting a ball bowled by the opposing team, known as the bowling team, and then running between two sets of wickets situated at either end of the pitch. The bowling team aims to dismiss the batsmen through various means, such as bowling them out or catching the ball after it has been hit. Cricket matches can differ in format, with various formats such as Test matches, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 (T20) games, each having specific rules and durations. The sport is governed by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and is popular in many countries, especially in places like India, England, Australia, and South Africa. Cricket is known for its rich traditions and complex strategies, making it a significant part of the cultural fabric in many regions where it is played.
Sri Lanka's captain, Charith Asalanka, chooses to bat first against Australia in a pivotal one-day international at Colombo's R. Premadasa Stadium. Australia's lineup sees the return of key players Travis…