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.
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.
Rats
Guest
Exactly my point.. We never get a feeling Aussies are out of an ODI match.Take yesterday's match as an example. Other teams would have got intimidated by SL's team selection of 6 spinners and they would have thought 226 would be tough to chase.. Even teams loaded with superstar batsmen may have failed to chase down 226. The mental thing.. But not the Aussies.. They know all they need to do is hang around there for 50 overs and 226 will come naturally. Of course you need skill as well.
The Bush
Roar Guru
Yeah say what you will for the Test side, but for basically over 20 years, we have been the premier ODI side in the world. Unlike the Test side, you never get that feeling that we're out of an ODI, you always have faith that someone I going to step up and guide us home.
AlanKC
Guest
Ah, all is well and we can blisfully ignore the test series. Yay!
Rats
Guest
As I said, Australia is a smart ODI side.. There is a reason why they have been dominating 50 over game for years now. Even during the so call "transition phase", Aussies were winning almost all the ODI series they played. They never seem to miss a trick and most of the Aussie batsmen have match awareness. Combination of skill and match awareness are key to ODI success, I think. Surprised why there are no other teams who are this consistent in ODIs. Tests - where skill is of utmost and primary importance, one gets exposed if you lack them. And that showed in the results.
Brains of a bimbo (Atgm)
Guest
Great win.well done oz nd u too caitlyn
Caitlin Doyle
Roar Guru
Starc hits the winning runs. Australia win their first match of the tour and our highest successful run chase in Sri Lanka EVER!! Standout performances from Mitchell Starc, 100 wickets in ODIs, James Faulkner with career best figures of 4-38 and Aaron Finch getting the batting off to a great start with an aggressive 56 from 46 deliveries. Australia go 0-1 up in the hero Cup. A more detailed analysis for my fellow Roarers to go up tomorrow when I get bored with my dissertation (so before 10am tomorrow). For anyone who stays up that you. Australia win by 3 wickets. Night all.
howzyapappa
Guest
Great win for the Aussies. Beautifully paced innings. Still some worries against the spin. Something to smile about. Highest run chase win in Sri Lanka
Caitlin Doyle
Roar Guru
227-7. Even stevens. Just one run now...
Caitlin Doyle
Roar Guru
Australia 225-7 after 46. Target 228 3 runs from 21 balls Roarers. Australia are inching closer and closer.
Caitlin Doyle
Roar Guru
Hero of the bowling tonight Mitchell Starc, arrives at the crease. This game is still Australia's to lose... 22-7 after 45.3
Caitlin Doyle
Roar Guru
Appeal for Head to be out stumped - given. AUS 222-7. 6 runs to go, 3 wickets in hand. A bit of a match on our hands.
Caitlin Doyle
Roar Guru
222-6 after 45. Just 6 runs needed now. A win will do so much for this Australian squad will take so much weight off their shoulders.
Caitlin Doyle
Roar Guru
After 44 overs, Australia are 217-6
Caitlin Doyle
Roar Guru
my favourite James 'The Finisher' Faulkner to the crease.
Caitlin Doyle
Roar Guru
WICKET!! George Bailey gets a top edge to a short ball from D Perera, caught Sadakan. So close to the end... Just 12 needed for the Aussies now...
Caitlin Doyle
Roar Guru
FOUR, great shot from head through the covers. Let's knock these runs off as fast as we can. Australia 214-5 after 43 Target 228
Caitlin Doyle
Roar Guru
Tidy over from Sri Lanka 208 - 5 Just 20 runs needed now.
Caitlin Doyle
Roar Guru
Good over from Sandakan. Australia 205-5 after 41. Just 23 to win now.
Caitlin Doyle
Roar Guru
OUT!! Henriques plays a poor shot and hits it straight to the man at short leg. Henriques gone for 6, caught Thilidaka, bowled Sandakan. Travis Head comes to the crease.
Caitlin Doyle
Roar Guru
24 of 60 required. Can George Bailey and Henriques steer Australia home.