Published: Feb 18, 2017, 05:23 PM (IST)
Edited: Feb 18, 2017, 05:24 PM (IST)
Sri Lanka managed to pull a rabbit out of the hat, when they edged past Australia in the first match of the ongoing Twenty20 International (T20I) series. This series takes place at a time when first choice Australian side is busy playing a warm-up game against India A in preparation of their four-Test series against India. Sri Lanka, who were thrashed by South Africa last month, took this narrow tunnel of hope and notched up a win at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) to go 1-0 up. Aaron Finch, who is leading Australia in absence of Steven Smith, looked uninspiring in the middle along with an overabundance of inexperienced players. Upul Tharanga, who is in-charge of the T20I side, looked smart and quick-witted in the middle. With much to play in the crucial second game, let us have look into what both sides could field at the Simonds Stadium in South Geelong, Victoria. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: Australia vs Sri Lanka, 2nd T20I at Geelong
Australia likely XI:
Top order: Finch and Michael Klinger managed to provide the home side a blistering start but were unable to capitalise on it. Finch, in particular, looked aggressive of the two, while playing his debut game, Klinger batted with reasonable caution. Fresh from his exploits in the recently concluded Big Bash League (BBL) 2017, Klinger made most of his chance, scoring 32-ball 38. Finch managed to reach 43 off 34 but gave his wicket away. Travis Head has amazed one and all in the past one year or so. His ability to bat with a steady head has been the most impressive. His show with the bat in the first T20I was no fluke.
Middle order: Moises Henriques’ form with the bat has left everyone anxious. His constant 20s are not doing the team any profit. As a bowler, he has hardly been utilised. Henriques will keep his place in the side based on his international experience. Newbie Aston Turner played a short innings in the middle, which might not prove his talent. Dunk in all likelihood could come into the playing XI, which has a dearth of specialist batsmen.
Dunk has been warming benches from a long time and could finally have his moment of truth. James Faulkner has struggled with the bat big time, which is a major cause of concern for Australia. His sky-kissing sixes seem to have disappeared with time. Much will also depend on Tim Paine, who is making a return to international scene after long.
Lower order: Pat Cummins, with his pace, rattled quite a few Sri Lankan batsmen in the first T20I. His line-length bowling along with his ability to bowl at pace for longer time is a boon for any side. Billy Stanlake got cantered for 42 runs from his 3 overs and could be rested for Jhye Richardson, who could get a look in if Australia decide to go for an extra bowler.
Adam Zampa, will continue to lead the spin attack. Zampa proved quite a handful on a flat deck at the MCG. Final screw in the cog is Andrew Tye, who was quite economical in his spell the last time he bowled.
XI: Aaron Finch (c), Michael Klinger, Travis Head, Moises Henriques, Aston Turner, Ben Dunk, Tim Paine (wk), Pat Cummins, Jhye Richardson, Andrew Tye and Adam Zampa
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Sri Lanka likely XI:
Top order: Niroshan Dickwella played his part in Sri Lanka’s win in the first T20I. Dickwella launched an attack on the Australian bowling unit making 30 off 25 balls. Skipper Tharanga could not do much with the bat, as he ended up getting bowled for naught. His form is of importance if Sri Lanka want to clinch the series at Geelong. Dilshan Munaweera, who is returning to the national side after long, batted with aggression. Playing uncalculated and risky shots was his modus operandi during the knock of 44 that included 6 fours.
Middle order: After a match-winning knock of 52 runs, it would be an abrupt move to drop Asela Gunaratne in place of Kusal Mendis. Gunaratne’s onslaught on Faulkner and Cummins was the game changer for Sri Lanka, which Australia could not recover from. Milinda Siriwardana, touted as the next finisher in Sri Lankan cricket, could manage only 15 runs. Chamara Kapugedera retains his place after displaying level-headedness while guiding his team to a memorable win.
Lower order: Seekkuge Prasanna bowled his heart out at the MSG giving away just 23 runs from his 4 overs. Prasanna’s accuracy and acumen was for all to witness. Nuwan Kulasekara, one of Sri Lanka’s most experienced players, has lacked form big-time. His no-show in the middle is worrying. Lasith Malinga did not exhibit any cog-webs in the first match proving that he is class apart. Giving away 29 runs from 4 overs is no small feat in a return match.
Vikum Sanjaya, who went for plenty in his three overs, will be hoping of a better show. One of the positives from the first T20I for Sri Lanka was Lakshan Sandakan, who hardly gave any chance to the Australian batsmen to score runs off.
XI: Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Upul Tharanga (c ), Dilshan Munaweera, Asela Gunaratne, Milinda Siriwardana, Chamara Kapugedera, Seekkuge Prasanna, Lasith Malinga, Nuwan Kulasekara, Vikum Sanjaya and Lakshan Sandakan
