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Australia will look to wrap up the ODI cricket finals against Sri Lanka today, with a win in the second final at Adelaide Oval. Can Sri Lanka fight back?
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Sunday’s first final ended as a corker after threatening to become a snorefest, as Sri Lanka awoke from a slumber to score over 300 batting second, and nearly pull off a miraculous chase of Australia’s 321.
The Australians got nervous, dropping catches and giving up runs in Brisbane’s tricky, greasy evening conditions and consistent light rain. Sri Lanka lost, but were still bubbly after watching Nuwan Kulasekara’s late assault on the bowling that nearly got them home.
Australia will want a repeat of their batting performance from Brisbane, really the first time this series that several members of the top order have contributed substantially.
But they’re unlikely to have the services of David Warner, the key man in that innings, who put on an opening partnership of 136 with Matthew Wade before batting through to the final ball of the innings for 163. Warner picked up a groin strain in that effort, and will be tested today but will probably not be passed fit.
His absence would see Shane Watson back up from No. 3 to open the innings with Wade, and Peter Forrest slotting in to Watson’s spot, with Michael Clarke and the Hussey brothers to round out the top six.
A bowling change will also be likely, with the death-bowling specialist Clint McKay strangely left out on Sunday, and sorely missed as Sri Lanka plundered Ben Hilfenhaus and James Pattinson. David Hussey will look forward to bowling at Adelaide after picking up a career-best four wickets on Sunday.
Sri Lanka may also look to more spin, after their pace bowlers were expensive both in the first final and in India’s epic chase in Hobart a week ago. Lasith Malinga has been the most expensive, but showed his match-winning abilities in the intervening game last Friday.
His record will keep him in the team, meaning that Dhammika Prasad, who was so brave with the bat on Sunday night, could be the one to make way for off-spinner Sachithra Senanayake.
Sri Lanka will also hope for the fitness of all-rounder Angelo Mathews, a crucial part of a chasing Sri Lankan side, whose replacement Farveez Maharoof was poor in both disciplines on Sunday.
Sri Lanka, while defeated last start, will be keen to carry their late momentum into this match. Australia’s victory could yet prove Pyrrhic, as they staggered to the line with their best batsmen in pain and their bowling in disarray.
Both sides are exhausted after a hectic schedule in the lead-up – this will be Sri Lanka’s fourth game in eight days. As the season-long rope-a-dope continues, it remains to be seen which punch-drunk contender can lurch off the corner post to land a telling blow.
Will it go to one final round, or can Australia produce the haymaker today? For this and other unnecessary sporting metaphors, join me over on the live commentary board and make your contribution. Once you’ve clicked the link, you scroll down, friends and neighbours, just scroll down.