Australia ready for 'unique' Sri Lankan challenge

"I think it’s unique in that we don’t play a lot of cricket against Sri Lanka so to have a standalone series against them is unique in it’s own respects," said Haynes, on Saturday (September 28). "The last time we played them was at the World Cup in 2017 in England. We saw Atapattu come out and get a pretty good hundred against us. So, we won’t be underestimating them at all."

"They had a good start to the tour with a win against CA XI yesterday so it was nice to get a little bit of an insight to what they’re going to bring. We’ve had a really good hit out as a team so we’re looking forward to tomorrow."

Following the series against West Indies, Matthew Mott, head coach of Australia, spoke about the need to tinker with a few things so as to settle on a 'perfect line-up' ahead of the Women's T20 World Cup next year. This could mean a shuffle in the batting order and possibly a promotion for the likes of Haynes, Ashleigh Gardner and Erin Burns who have barely got any time in the middle in the recent past. However, the left-hander was quick to credit the bowling group for their contribution to the team's dominance over the last 12 months.

"I’m not too sure (whether there will be changes) the first couple of games. I think it will probably be a wait and see type of scenario. Our batters are doing a fantastic job— we saw in the Caribbean as well, but I think our bowling group as well has been one that’s stood out and restricted teams really well, so it’s tough for players like me who are in the middle order, sometimes missing out on a hit. But it’s a really good sign for the team. I think, and I’m sure if the opportunity presents (itself), there might be a bit of shuffling, but the players are doing a good job and they deserve to be rewarded for that."

Heather Graham had a memorable game during the Cricket Australia XI's clash against Sri Lanka on Friday (September 27) wherein she picked three wickets and scored vital six runs in the super over. Graham has certainly put in a strong case to be included in the XI come the T20I matches and the ODI series that is soon to be followed.

Whether Australia choose to use this series as an opportunity to give every player some game time remains to be seen. If recent trends are anything to go by, they are keen to stick to a winning formula.

"I guess the team’s probably shown their hand a bit with that in the series gone by and it’s good to see players like Erin Burns get an opportunity and Heather Graham’s probably the one who was unlucky to miss out in the Caribbean. I think given that there is a World Cup coming up— without sort of getting too ahead of ourselves, I think potentially there will be opportunities and perhaps players play different roles at different stages," Haynes explained.

The last time these two teams faced each other, Chamari Atapattu slammed an incredible 178 not out at Bristol. As captain of the T20I team and leader of the Sri Lankan batting line-up, the left-hander will be expected to carry the weight of her team's batting. Australia though are not focusing too much on her, and instead keeping a close watch on their own plans.

"We haven’t necessary tried to highlight anyone in particular, but (we) just (want to) be really clear about what we want to try and do at different phases in the game and if we’re under pressure what that looks like, and likewise when we are trying to take wickets, what we want to do and those sorts of things. They are going to present a really unique challenge because we haven’t faced many of them in the past, but we’re focused on what we are trying to bring for now."

Australia look set to kick off the home summer in the same manner they ended their away season - on a winning note. They will be keen to put on a good show for the crowd at North Sydney Oval, come Sunday.