Australia vs Sri Lanka – 3rd Commonwealth Bank ODI – Match Preview
The resurgent Australians are set to embark on a new challenge on their beloved home, taking on a wounded Sri Lankan outfit in the Commonwealth Bank series at the WACA Ground, Perth, February 10, 2012.
The hosts have been thoroughly impressive in taming India in all formats, and will now set sight on inflicting further misery on another Asian giant, which tasted defeat in their first encounter Down Under.
The gigantic steps taken by the Aussies typify their emergence under Michael Clarke, whose leadership capabilities have aided them in rediscovering their old form. His conquest, for the time being, will be assuring that the Lankans continue their poor run despite their opponents making wholesale changes both, on and off the field.
A rain shortened first game against the Men In Blue did little in effecting their rhythm with David Hussey timely acceleration paved for a healthy total of 216. The bowling department then took responsibility in ensuring that their side remained on course to get their first points of the competition.
The major point under consideration will be regarding the inclusion of middle-order batsman, Peter Forrest. Clarke spoke highly of the Queenslander’s ability of emerging as a Test candidate, but with everyone performing, it makes it hard for the skipper to leave any one out.
David Warner, Ricky Ponting, Matthew Wade, Michael Hussey all pick themselves, which means its either David Hussey of Daniel Christian, who might have to make way. However, the latter presents an all-round option in the absence of Shane Watson.
Ben Hilfenhaus, who was included in as a replacement for the injured Brett Lee, is expected to be benched in preference to the same bowling line up, which played in the first game.
Their opponents have chopped and changed a lot since the mega event last year, and their newly assigned board has appointed Mahela Jayawardene to lead the side, following Tillkaratne Dilshan’s turbulent reign.
It began on a disappointing note, with their Asian counterparts beating them at Perth after another mediocre performance from the playing XI. Dilshan, Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara, the three senior statesmen, all got starts but failed to construct partnerships, which ultimately resulted in a below par target of 234.
Also Mahela’s failure to improvise in the field let the opposition off the hook, with the final touches provided by Player of the Match, Ravichandran Ashwin ( scored unbeaten 30, while taking three scalps).
Their task will be made harder when they will battle the hosts, who appear in ominous touch. Changes might take place after a four-pronged pace attack could not make use of the bouncy track of WACA, where Zaheer Khan was at his devastating best.
Also, the Lankans might be tempted to include left-arm spinner, Rangana Herath after watching Ashwin getting enough turn to squeeze them in the middle stages of the clash.
The key however, remains spearhead pacer, Lasith Malinga. The 28-year-old simply did not turn up against the Indians, and will quickly need change gear in helping his team to topple the inform hosts.
The pitch will again be on the bouncier side but will further aid the spinners of the respective camps. The track however, will also provide batsmen the chance to make plenty of runs, so one expects a high-scoring affair.