When it came to choosing its team for the start of the series, Australia made no attempt to hide the fact that they were starting to prep for the World Cup in 2015. However, their opponents on Thursday night, Sri Lanka, are looking ahead as well. The two sides will face off in the 1st ODI.

Although key veterans such as Mahela Jayawardene, Tillakaratne Dilshan and Rangana Heralth are coming into the game unrested, the Lankan squad still has plenty of youth on its team.

Offspinner Akila Dananjaya, who is just 19-years-old, has emerged from being a net bowler last year. Hence, becoming a master at the doosra and carrom ball.

Another talent in the side's mix of youth is 22-year-old wicketkeeper-batsmen Kushal Perera along with ODI regulars Thisara Perera, Dinesh Chandimal and Lahiru Thirimanne, amongst other players.

"It's a very young squad. I think after the last World Cup we've gone in that direction, when we came to Australia for the triangular [series] as well last year we had a very young team. Chandimal, Thirimanne, all those guys are regulars in the one-day team, so going forward you need to look at that [the World Cup]. It's in about another two years' time so all those guys will be looked at," captain Jayawardene told ESPN.

"The couple of young spinners we brought in, Ajantha [Mendis] is coming back after an injury layoff, Akila Dananjaya is here as well so those guys will get the exposure they require to bowl in these wickets. We're definitely looking at developing a side for the next four or five years," he added.

CLICK HERE to watch Sri Lanka face off against Australia in the 1st ODI via live stream. Coverage of the cricket match is set to begin at 9 a.m. IST on Friday, Jan. 11

Tags
Cricket