McDermott's milestone 'relief', but spot far from cemented

Ben McDermott has made his maiden international half-century but the Australian batsman knows it will take more than that to make him a permanent fixture in the team.

McDermott opened alongside captain Aaron Finch in place of David Warner as Australia sealed a 22-run win against Sri Lanka at the SCG in the Dettol T20I series opener on Friday night.

The 27-year-old McDermott was one of two changes to the side which clinched the T20 World Cup in the UAE under the recently departed Justin Langer.

He backed up his form as top run scorer in the KFC BBL with the Hobart Hurricanes by registering a game-high 53 from 41 balls.

While he said it was relief to bring up the milestone score, he conceded that he remains a long way off cementing a more permanent spot.

"With Davey away, I'm sure he'll come back into the side pretty nicely," McDermott said.

"I haven't thought too far ahead but it was nice to get that opportunity tonight.

"David Warner and Aaron Finch did an excellent job up there in a World Cup-winning side not so long ago.

"It would be nice to keep scoring runs and put my name up there but I don't feel like I've cemented it (a spot)."

In his previous 17 T20 international matches since his debut in 2018, McDermott had been a bit-part player but he looked a cool customer last night while the more experienced pros around him lost their heads.

Finch, Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell and Matthew Wade all fell cheaply with Marcus Stoinis (30) and debutant Josh Inglis (23) the only other two Australians to make double figures.

But McDermott's haul, which included three sixes, helped guide Australia home.

"I don't remember batting as well as I have at the moment," he said.

"I do feel that I'm in pretty good form but with a lot of work to do as well.

"It's exciting times and hopefully I can keep improving around this group because there's some really experienced players to learn off.

"It was nice to have Finchy at the other end. He's a very cool head and experienced player to lean on."

Australia returns to the SCG on Sunday before travelling to Canberra.

Dettol T20 Series v Sri Lanka 2022

Australia squad: Aaron Finch (c), Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head*, Moises Henriques, Josh Inglis, Ben McDermott, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, Daniel Sams, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade, Adam Zampa * unavailable for first three matches

Sri Lanka squad: Dasun Shanaka (c), Charith Asalanka, Avishka Fernando, Pathum Nissanka, Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Chamika Karunaratne, Janith Liyanage, Kamil Mishara, Ramesh Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lahiru Kumara, Nuwan Thushara, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Praveen Jayawickrama, Shiran Fernando

February 11: First T20, SCG, 7.10pm AEDT

February 13: Second T20, SCG, 7.10pm AEDT

February 15: Third T20, Manuka Oval, 7.10pm AEDT

February 18: Fourth T20, MCG, 5.10pm AEDT

February 20: Fifth T20, MCG, 7.10pm AEDT

All matches broadcast exclusively on Fox Cricket and Kayo Sports. Radio coverage by ABC Grandstand