Leg-spinner Tanveer Sangha will end his 17-month ODI drought on Friday, named in Australia’s starting XI for the second match against Sri Lanka in Colombo.
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The 23-year-old, considered Adam Zampa’s long-term replacement in Australia’s white-ball teams, was added to the Champions Trophy squad earlier this week as an injury replacement. Having not played an ODI since September 2023, Sangha has been picked for the series finale against Sri Lanka, replacing bowler Spencer Johnson in the starting XI. Ben Dwarshuis, Travis Head, Josh Inglis and Glenn Maxwell also join the team after missing the first match.
Sri Lanka won Wednesday’s first ODI by 49 runs, with captain Charith Asalanka smacking a stylish century in a career-best performance.
Asalanka won the toss anc chosen to bat first. The match gets underway at 3.30pm AEDT.
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Australia quick Spencer Johnson aspires to replicate the feats of superstar fast bowler Mitchell Starc during the upcoming Champions Trophy.
Johnson is a like-for-like replacement for Starc, who withdrew from the Champions Trophy squad bound for Pakistan later this month, citing personal reasons.
The 29-year-old bowled in Starc’s place in the ODI against Sri Lanka on Wednesday and, in Starc style, took a wicket in the first over.
Alongside Aaron Hardie (2-13) and Nathan Ellis (2-23), the Aussie quicks were the only shining light in a disappointing 49-run defeat.
Johnson has dreamt of playing the Starc role and hopes to bring an element of the world-class quick to Pakistan.
“While the ball is swinging, it’s (the approach) pitch the ball up and try and hit the stumps,” he said.
“Guys like Trent Boult (New Zealand) and Starcy, left-armers who are aggressive, hopefully it’s what I can bring to Pakistan.
“It’s something I have pictured in my mind, come in and play a similar role to him (Starc). There was a bit of nerves there.
“I think I am better for the run, it’s only my third ODI, hopefully a few more and I’ll be able to replicate some of the stuff he’s done.”
The Aussies will have a new-look side for the Champions Trophy after Starc joined Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Marcus Stoinis and Mitchell Marsh at home.
While Johnson says there are “big shoes to fill”, he doesn’t agree selection is out of his hands.
Johnson says the tournament is an opportunity to force the selectors’ hand and make them pick a future side with both he and Starc in it.
“I think it is in my hands, really, if I perform then I’ll be around,” he said.
“It’s up to performances, I feel like I am ready to play for Australia and had a little bit of a taste in T20 cricket and now some ODIs.
“Heading to Pakistan is exciting and I am ready to go.”
The second ODI between Sri Lanka and Australia gets underway in Colombo at 3.30pm AEDT.
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