Australia will be looking to make amends in the Third ODI against Sri Lanka, after going 1-1 in the series to date. Join The Roar for live scores from the game and a live blog of the match, starting from 7pm (AEST).
After a comprehensive victory in the first match of the Hero Cup. the Aussies seemed to fall into the same bad habits they’ve been displaying throughout this tour.
A failure from the Aussies to play the spin led to appalling batting performance, aside from a solid 76 from Matthew Wade it appears the Australian batting has a lot to learn.
Full credit to Kundal Mendis who has been the player of the series so far – after an uneasy start losing both openers cheaply he steadied the ship and guided Sri Lanka to an almost impossible to chase 289.
Even a stellar hat trick from James Faulkner, the first in ODI cricket for the year, couldn’t inspire a win from the Aussies. They’ll both be players to watch in this match.
Australia ultimately finished the match having built a total of all out for 206, falling sixteen balls short of play the full fifty overs.
Steve Smith has been sent home to rest in lieu of a big summer ahead. He looked nervous against spin in both matches and needs to go home to address how he can lead such a young and experienced side.
It will be interesting to see how the always polarising David Warner goes in his first stint as Aussie captain.
Prediction
The change of venue may make a difference, but I’m backing Sri Lanka, slightly different side but the same unforgivable mistakes from Australia.
Sri Lanka to win.
Join The Roar for live scores from the game and a live blog of the match, starting from 7pm (AEST).
howzyapappa
Guest
sorry Dilshan
Sandy
Guest
I meant to say Davey and team, on the win.
Sandy
Guest
Congratulations Davey on the win. I am so looking forward to the next two.
howzyapappa
Guest
thanks Caitlin. Great win. Limped across the line but still awesome to have a victory. Top innings from Bailey . Well done to Chandimal and an awesome career from Dishan
Caitlin Doyle
Roar Guru
Post-match presentations. Smart Tv Man of the match goes to Chandimal for his stellar 102. Man of the Match - George Bailey. Pretty unsurprising there. Way past my bed time. Feel fortunate to have called the only two matches we've one for the entire series, maybe I'm some kind of quasi good luck charm *cough*. Next match is on Wednesday at 7pm (AEST) and could go either way.
Caitlin Doyle
Roar Guru
Thanks Connor. Presentations, then it' bed and up at 6am for me sadly. Apparently life doesn't want me to lose my glandular fever.
Caitlin Doyle
Roar Guru
Well, that was closer than it needed to be. Australia have limped/fallen across the line to victory in this 3rd ODI, with the highest score Australia have ever chased under lights at Dambulla. A fantastically composed 70 from George Bailey in conjunction with 42 Matthew Wade put Australia in the box seat to win, though they did their best to lose. In the end, it's a victory by 2 wickets for the Aussies. Our bowlers are very good, but even in victory it's clear that we're still a bit s*** against spin. What an exciting game, we have an astonishing series ahead of us. Presentations in a moment and no doubt a tribute to Dilshan. Stellar career for Sri Lanka.
Connor Bennett
Editor
I'm going to go and recover from my heart attack now. Thanks for the call Caitlin, you might be due for a sleep.
howzyapappa
Guest
Wow they won on a dropped catch. Such a great game. Well done to Aussies. So pleased they have something to smile about. Well done to Dishan on a fantastic career and a well respected bloke
Caitlin Doyle
Roar Guru
Sliced, dropped. AUSTRALIA WIN. THEY LEAD THE SERIES 2-1
Caitlin Doyle
Roar Guru
No idea why he did that.
Caitlin Doyle
Roar Guru
*Scores are level at 226. We can't lose.
Caitlin Doyle
Roar Guru
The latest of late cuts there gets sliced to the boundary for four. Scores are level at 227. ONE TO WIN
Caitlin Doyle
Roar Guru
222-8 5 runs needed, Mitch Starc get out recklessly trying to finish the match and is caught out in the deep by Perera, bowed Perera.
howzyapappa
Guest
this is too much. Starc out. So close. They only need to nudge the singles
Caitlin Doyle
Roar Guru
FOUR FROM MITCH STARC WICKET MITCH STARC IS GONE
Caitlin Doyle
Roar Guru
Easy singles are available for the Aussies. 10 needed off 33 deliveries Surely we can limp our way to victory?
Caitlin Doyle
Roar Guru
A six from Mitch Starc helps the equation. AUS 215-7 12 needed
Caitlin Doyle
Roar Guru
SIX Thanks Mitch Starc. 13 needed of 38
Caitlin Doyle
Roar Guru
The crowd is absolutely electric.