 Australians take on Sri Lanka as their last assignment before Ashes. This adds to the significance of the series. The only T20 will be played on a fast Perth
track on Sunday. It would be a tense affair as both sides are well matched.
This series between Australia and Sri Lanka have different importance
for both teams. While every other team including Sri Lanka is setting eyes on
the World Cup in February, Australia have nothing but Ashes in their minds.
Click for Live Score Card of Australia Vs Sri Lanka Australia always make the better of home advantage when they play on their
own soil. This series against Sri Lanka is slightly different. Australians
are facing stiff criticism. Even though Ponting, the man who is at receiving
end of a major portion of criticism is no longer the part of Australia T20 squad.
The T20 captain Michael Clarke is hailed by many to take over as Australian
captaincy in all formats. When the team is not in good form this can put extra
pressure on Clarke, It would be interesting to see how he responds and marshals
his troops on 31st October. Ryan Harris and Shaun Tait remain sidelined due
to injuries while Mitchell Johnson is rested.
Australia however are boosted by the return of Peter Siddle and Brad Haddin.
The bouncy fast track of Perth might able Siddle to form a good partnership
with Dirk Nannes and Clint McKay. Steve Smith, Stephen O'Keefe and John
Hastings are exciting young all rounders , which will boost both batting and
bowling. Australia look a balanced side going into the Sundays game.
Australia have always been a struggling side in this format, they have won just
two of their last five games.
Kumara Sangakara, the Sri Lankan captain is not taking Australia's poor form
for granted. He acknowledges that Australians are a hard team to beat at home.
Sangakara also played down any adverse effect the off field criticism will have
on Sri Lankan team. All eyes will be on Muttiah Muralitharan, who retired
gracefully from Test cricket. With only limited cricket on his mind Murali can
be a dangerous customer. The game at Perth on Sunday can make Lasith Malinga
a serious tormentor. There has been slight criticism on inclusion of Dilhara
Fernando and exclusion of Rangana Herath. Sri Lankan team is a blend
of youth and experience. Sri Lanka do have a better record than the Aussies
in this format. Sri Lankans know that if they come out well in this series,
it would be a major boost to their World Cup preparations.
Sri Lanka have won two of their last five matches.
|
