Lyon, Copeland Debut As Australia Opt to Bat in Cloudy

Galle: Australia has won the toss and will bat when play gets underway in the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle.

The start of the Test has been delayed due to inclement weather.

Heavy overnight rain has drenched the Galle International Cricket Stadium, with plastic sheets placed on the ground covered in water.

The covers have been removed on the pitch but the ground is still covered as ground staff begin an attempt to make it fit for play.

Rain has currently stopped and the sky is clearing, raising hopes for a start to play at a later stage in the day.

The delay will make the likes of Nathan Lyon and Trent Copeland even more anxious, with the pair set to make their Test debut for Australia in the match.

Usman Khawaja (one Test), Ryan Harris (five) and Phillip Hughes (10) are also included in a relatively inexperienced Australian side.

The match will also mark Michael Clarke's appearance as full-time Test captain.

It will be the first time since January 2004 that Ricky Ponting will play a Test without being the national captain.

Scores	Upcoming	Results
Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan - 3rd ODI 3rd ODI - South Africa v Pakistan - December 22, 12:00 GMT 4th Test - Australia v India - December 26-30, 23:30 GMT 3rd T20I - West Indies v Bangladesh at St Vincent Bangladesh won by 80 runs 2nd ODI - South Africa v Pakistan at Cape Town Pakistan won by 81 runs

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