4th ODI Preview: Must win game for Australia to stay alive by Asher Wilson

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Scorecard:	Australia v Sri Lanka
Event:	Sri Lanka in Australia 2012/13

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DateLine: 19th January 2013

 

Australia v Sri Lanka
4th ODI 2013
Match Preview

 

Australia are in big trouble at the current point of this ODI series after succumbing to Sri Lanka in the 3rd ODI when their batsmen failed to do the job and would like to leave the bad memories behind as they face Sri Lanka in the 4th ODI tomorrow.

 

The Australian batsmen let themselves down and had to rely on Mitchell Starc and Xavier Doherty to get Australia past there lowest total. The partnership of David Warner and Phillip Hughes is crucial to Australia’s chances to start a fightback and level the series.

 

Australia would desperately want to bounce back in the series by winning this fixture and proceed to the final game with the series equally poised to fall into the lap of either sides. For this to happen, they have a few things to consider as well. Even though they were victors in the first game, it seemed as though they were punching above their weight.

 

Their batting line-up is mature with the likes of Phillip Hughes, David Warner, Michael Clarke, George Bailey, David Hussey and Matthew Wade but it retains the element of vulnerability. The line-up has not fired consistently together. We have seen one player stand up and deliver but he needs the support from other batsmen as well.

 

Australia’s bowling department has delivered in this series on all occasions if we exclude the spinners. Australia have struggled to produce a quality spinner since the exit of Brad Hogg and of course, Shane Warne. They must look towards England for inspiration who not only have Graeme Swann but also have the likes of Monty Panesar as back-up.

 

Jackson Bird has been included in the squad although bowling has not been an issue for the hosts and Glenn Maxwell will come into contention again after being left out due to the conditions at the Gabba, and might be challenging Moises Henriques for the No.7 position.

 

Sri Lanka find themselves well positioned to grab the series win come tomorrow and take some pride home as they were thrashed in the Test series. Their top order batsmen need to pull up their socks and fire aggressively while keeping their wickets intact if they are to accomplish a series win.

 

Ajantha Mendis should be reinstated at the SCG after Sri Lanka's selectors shrewdly judged the Gabba as a venue much friendlier to swing and seam. Shaminda Eranga would be the most likely man to miss out, having replaced Mendis for the Brisbane game. The fitness of Dinesh Chandimal remains a query but with Kushal Perera performing impressively over the past two games, there is no need for Sri Lanka to rush Chandimal back if he is not quite ready.

 

Nuwan Kulesakera was in devastating form with the ball in Gabba and was showing what he can do when he can swing the ball consistently. Kulesakera will have to be that little bit better to have the same effect as his 5 for 22 because the Sydney conditions won’t be much suitable for swing bowling.

 

Teams:

 

Australia (From): David Warner, Phillip Hughes, Michael Clarke(c), David Hussey, George Bailey, Matthew Wade(w), Moises Henriques, Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc, Clint McKay, Xavier Doherty, Jackson Bird

 

Sri Lanka (From): Mahela Jayawardene(c), Tillakaratne Dilshan, Lahiru Thirimanne, Kushal Janith Perera(w), Angelo Mathews, Upul Tharanga, Ajantha Mendis, Thisara Perera, Nuwan Kulasekara, Lasith Malinga, Shaminda Eranga, Dinesh Chandimal, Rangana Herath, Suranga Lakmal, Jeevan Mendis, Akila Dananjaya Perera

(Article: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author only.
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