 The
series has been dead and dusted with one game to go. Sri Lanka have emerged
2-0 winners in three match ODI series. Sri Lanka also won the only T20 game. Admittedly,
there is not a lot to play for at Sunday's game at Brisbane.
The only motivation is for Sri Lanka to achieve clean sweep and for Australia
to avoid it. The day nighter can produce a close finish but Australian crowd
were notably absent in the two ODIs probably saving for the Ashes in November.
Click for Live Score Card of Australia Vs Sri Lanka
Australia are having one of the worst times in the history of their cricket.
The team itself has become an aging inconsistent side. Test captaincy talks
have started amongst the media and there have been hints of player's rifts.
Australia have suffered another blow going into the final game on eighth November,
their captain Ricky Ponting is to miss the game.
The selection of the team in second ODI is questionable with Australia dropping
two their best bowlers in the series: Xavier Doherty and John Hastings,
and dearly paying for it. Australia slumped to their seventh successive loss
in all formats. The buildup to ashes could not have been worst. They cannot
seem to get their combinations right.
Australia would need to turn things around quickly if they are to defend their
World Champions title, and Brisbane could be a start. Australia's bowling has
let them down. Mitchell Johnson has been particularly disappointing.
Clint Mckay hasn't made any impact and Peter Siddle's return has been unspectacular.
Australia have won just two of their last five completed games.
Sri Lankans have looked a professional unit throughout the series. MCG miracle
has lifted them and they have not looked back since. They have given Australia
the scare normally the touring teams feel here. Kumar Sangakarra, the
Sri Lankan captain has said that his side have been confident and in positive
frame of mind in the series.
The batsmen though inconsistent at times have put up a decent show, Sangakarra,
Jayawardena, Upul Tharanga have all fired. Bowling has been a strength for Sri
Lanka. Randiv has been impressive alongwith Murali in the spin department. Malinga,
Kulasekara, Perera have all troubled Australian batsmen. Angelo Matthews
didn't bowl in the previous game but has been in good form.
Malinga's pace complements Kulasekara and Perera's medium pace. Sri Lankan
seamers got a lot of movement in the air after the rain at SCG, they would be
hoping to get the same result in the Sunday's game.
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