The Australian cricket team had a short tour of Sri Lanka during the 1982–83 season.

[1] Sri Lanka defeated Australia in the rain affected ODI series 2–0.

Regular players Rod Marsh, Jeff Thomson, Geoff Lawson and Kim Hughes elected not to tour.

Woolley was chosen over two other Sheffield Shield wicketkeepers who had represented Australia in Test cricket, Kevin Wright and Steve Rixon.

Graham Yallop earned an international recall after a very strong domestic season.