Aussies tip another spin-friendly pitch in Sri Lanka

Australia's spinners could have even more joy in the second Sri Lanka Test than in their last-start win as early signs point to a "really good" wicket in Galle.

Marnus Labuschagne is expected to retain his spot in the XI despite a training change that raised eyebrows following another underwhelming knock.

Usually one of the first padded up and in the nets, No.3 Labuschagne batted against back-up quicks Sean Abbott and Scott Boland on the centre wicket to begin Tuesday's main session, despite the expectations of a turning pitch.

After the rest of the Australian batting order had left Galle International Cricket Stadium, Labuschagne stayed later in the nets next to reserve batter Nathan McSweeney.

He was facing local spinners and Australian bowling coach Dan Vettori rather than Australia's front-line tweakers.

But AAP understands the team had been experimenting with new training practices and that Labuschagne remained in the selection frame.

The Queenslander is nevertheless in need of a big score after making only one century in his last 49 Test knocks.

He holds an average of 31.6 since the start of 2023, and never looked comfortable in the series opener before being caught behind on 20.

"It's hard when you only get one or two hits, maybe three hits this series," said opener Travis Head.

"He grinded through the summer. He had moments in the summer where form was questioned. He stepped up in Adelaide, he stepped up in Melbourne. He always finds a way."

Curators have rolled out a new pitch for the second Test that begins on Thursday and the tourists were pleased with what they saw in pursuit of a 2-0 series win.

If anything, Australian off-spinners Kuhnneman and Nathan Lyon could fare even better than in the first Test, when they took 16 of Australia's 20 wickets.

"It probably looks like it's got a little bit less grass on it than the previous Test," Head said of the pitch.

"It looks like it will spin earlier, but it looks at the moment like the first couple of days will be good for batting and then it will spin."

"It probably looks a little bit dry but looks a really good wicket still."

It's a marked difference from Australia's last trip, when Sri Lanka rolled out a raging turner in the series opener only to completely change tack with a flat deck for the second.

As in the recent series opener, Head expects Australia's ability to make the most of spinning conditions later in the match will go a long way to sealing a first series win in Sri Lanka since 2011.

"It's whether we can weigh up when that shift comes and be able to be ready and adapt to that. It looks like it'll take spin early," Head said.

"You could play on it right now and you'd be happy. You've got to take it for face value, look at it again tomorrow and then the next morning.

"We've still got two days so I guess anything could play out in these conditions."

With its sprawling beaches and ample bars, Galle proved the perfect location for the Australian team to raise a glass to Head's Allan Border Medal triumph on Monday night.

Head is always keen on a celebration, but was less eager on removing his sunglasses to front the press in bright conditions the next day.

"I look forward to the next two days getting prepared but the likelihood is I probably won't get another look at another one (Allan Border Medal) so I enjoyed the moment," Head said.