 It
is the second ODI of the series between Sri Lanka and Australia and there cannot
be any doubt that it will be most important one of the series for both the sides.
If Australia can win it, it will mean that they will take a 2-0 lead in
the series something that will be difficult to overcome even if Sri Lanka are
playing at home. On the other hand, Sri Lanka will not want to go down
again after having done well in the T20I series - after all they had beaten Australia
in Australia in the ODI series and wouldn't have wanted to lose this series.
Click for Live Score Card of Sri Lanka Vs Australia
It was an exciting first game for the Aussies. They were able to get going with
their bowling, and although Mitchell Johnson took those six wickets, there should
be a lot of credit given to the other bowlers as well. Usually, the problem that
Australia has is that they do not have sufficient backup but the good news for
them in the first game was that the backup in the form of spin bowling was rather
strong. That was the reason why Sri Lanka failed to make a proper comeback into
the game once they had lost their opening batsmen.
Sri lanka will need to look at their batting line-up. For long they have relied
too much on their top four experienced batsmen and once they lose them early,
the pressure is off the opposition because the rest of them do nothing of note.
This will need to change in this game as the side looks to ensure that they
can bat well throughout - T Dilshan and Upul Tharanga will be the ones to start
off but the likes of Dinesh Chandimal and Jeevan Mendis need to get going
as well. Else, things could get difficult for the side.
Australia's batting will depend on the likes of Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke, both of whom scored a half century apiece, but it is the explosive
nature of Shane Watson that has helped them so far. If they can get down to
scoring the runs, it could be difficult for the Sri Lankan bowlers, but what
will be interesting to see is if the side can get something going if they are
chasing a big target.
Sri Lanka will still be favourites, but trust Australia to mount a huge fight.
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