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Sri Lanka vs Australia highlights: First ODI Cricket scores, blog

21st August, 2016
Kick Off: 7pm AEST
Last Meeting: Australia by 62 runs
Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium Colombo
Betting: SRL $2.53, AUS $1.52
(AAP Image/SNPA, John Cowpland)
Roar Guru
21st August, 2016
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After a Test series dominated by the home side, Australia and Sri Lanka now turn their attention to the shorter form of the game with this five-match ODI series. Join The Roar from 7pm (AEST) for a live blog of the match.

It’s been a long time since these two have played in this format of the game so it will be interesting to see how they compete. The change of format offers some potential redemption for the Aussies after their humiliating performance in the Test series.

To say this tour has been a disaster for Australia would be a grotesque understatement. A combination of inexperience and just old-fashioned arrogance seemed to play a role in the demise of the Australian performance on this tour, particularly due to lackluster batting performances.

Full credit to Sri Lanka, a young side that many experts and punters had written off for years showed more fight than expected.

With that said, ODIs bring new players into the squad an angry and somewhat demoralized side has a chance with fresh air.

The experience and on-field energy of George Bailey should be a welcome addition to the side and will provide Smith with some additional leadership support, on and off the field.

Matthew Wade has replaced Peter Nevill as keeper for the ODIs. There’s no questioning that Nevill underperformed during the tests, but he is technically miles ahead of Wade in keeping skills.

Although Wade can be a dominant batsman when he’s in form, his poor keeping form – such as in India 2013 – could cost Australia dearly.

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Players to watch for this match are Shaun Marsh who played some of the most beautiful late cuts I’ve seen during his century in the last test and Adam Zampa, a young spinner who offers so much especially in the shorter form of the game.

Prediction
Unless something magical has happened within this Australia side, I’m backing Sri Lanka for a win. It will be a good lesson for this young squad and Cricket Australia alike.

We are a better one-day side than Test side – will the shorter format be enough to swing the pendulum back in our way? Can our batting lift?

Join The Roar from 7pm (AEST) for a live blog of the match.

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