Australia must come to conditions with Sri Lanka's spinners if they are to turn around their 20-20 defeats by the host nation and win the forthcoming one-day series that starts with the first ODI on Wednesday.
Sri Lanka spinner Ajantha Mendis became the first bowler to take six wickets in the shortest form of the game by taking 6-16 in the hosts' eight-run win in the second 20-20match on Monday, winning the series 2-0.
Michael Clarke, who captains Australia's Test and one-day teams, joined the team for training at Pallekele on Tuesday ahead of a five-match ODI series.
Senior batsmen Ricky Ponting and Michael Hussey also return to strengthen the one-day international squad.
The Australia skipper said he saw no threat in the pitch for Wednesday's game and said batsmen who get a start should be well placed.
Sri Lanka fast bowler Lasith Malinga, who missed the Twenty20 series through injury, could return for the one-dayers, while opening batsmen Upul Tharanga is also likely to play after serving a suspension for using a banned substance during this year's World Cup.
Sri Lanka captain Tillakaratne Dilshan said he and Tharanga will open the batting while Mahela Jayawardene, who was his opening partner in the Twenty20 matches will drop down to No. 4.
Chamara Kapugedera and Chamara Silva also return to the squad to strengthen the middle order.
0 comments:
Post a Comment