WATCH: Jake Fraser-McGurk takes stunning diving catch to dismiss Kamindu Mendis during first ODI in Colombo

Australia began their preparations for the Champions Trophy 2025 with a short two-match series against Sri Lanka. The first ODI being played in Colombo saw Charith Asalanka win the toss and opt to bat first. Australian seamers had the home team in trouble with early wickets. Jake Fraser-McGurk pulled off a stunning diving catch to dismiss dangerous batter Kamindu Mendis for five runs. 

The incident happened in the second ball of the seventh over with Spencer Johnson bowling to Mendis. The left-arm seamer bowled a full ball on Mendis’ pads that the batter tried to flick. McGurk, who was fielding at mid-wicket region, dove and took a great two-handed catch. 

Watch the video here 

Four wickets in less than seven overs!

Now Kamindu clips Johnson straight to Fraser-McGurk 🫣#SLvAUSpic.twitter.com/7gWdCHJM4b

— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) February 12, 2025

At the time of the first drinks break, Sri Lanka were placed at 55/5 as the Aussie decimated the home team. Speaking after winning the toss, Asalanka said, “We'll bat first. It looks dry; I just want to put a good score on the board. We're going 6-5 with two all-rounders. 270-280 could be a good score on this pitch.”

Australia went into the game without Travis Head, with McGurk set to open the innings with Matthew short. Skipper Steve Smith said, “We would have batted first as well; it looks dry and could break up as the game goes on. Lots of changes to digest; Head, Inglis and Maxwell aren't playing.”

Australian pacers destroy Sri Lankan top order 

Spencer Johnson gave the visitors their first wickets of the day when he had Pathum Nissanka out for four runs. Nissanka went to drive a full ball and managed to nick the ball behind to Alex Carey. The next man to fall was Avishka Fernando, who was caught in the slips by Steve Smith to give Aaron Hardie his first wicket. 

Kusal and Kamindu Mendis then added 24 runs for the third wicket, with Kusal Mendis in particular looking aggressive. Hardie then got his second wicket as Kusal was caught by Matt Short for 19. Kusal’s knockoff came off 17 balls with the help of four hits to the fence. Janith Liyange was the last man out before drinks break caught in the slips by Steve Smith off Sean Abbott.

Australia were rocked with the news of Mitchell Starc pulling out of the Champions Trophy squad early on Wednesday morning. The 35-year-old was initially part of Australia’s squad for the Sri Lanka series before the news was made public.