Published: Sep 09, 2016, 08:15 AM (IST)
Edited: Sep 09, 2016, 05:08 PM (IST)
Australia after mauling Sri Lanka in the first Twenty20 International (T20I) will be eyeing a series clean sweep. Australia lock horns against Sri Lanka in the second T20I at Colombo, which will also be their last match on the Lankan island. Australia had a torrid time in the Test series losing it 3-0 after Sri Lanka powered by Rangana Herath made a mockery of their batting line up, which was led by Steven Smith. Low on confidence Australia vowed to come back strong in the One-Day International (ODI) series, which was duel led by Smith and David Warner, after the former was rested post second ODI. Australia won the series convincingly with a margin of 4-1. Coming into the T20I series Australia made a few changes to their squad with the ‘Big Show’ Glenn Maxwell making a comeback into the squad. Australia came into the T20I series with all confidence in the world and proved their might in the shortest format of the game. Full Cricket Scorecard: Sri Lanka vs Australia 2nd T20I at Colombo
Australia’s fresh import into the side Maxwell displayed why he is renowned all over the world for his batting prowess. Maxwell in a whirlwind of performance struck unbeaten 145 to help Australia achieve a record breaking total of 263 runs in their quota of 20 overs. Maxwell went berserk on the Sri Lankan bowler’s hitting as many as 14 boundaries and 9 sixes in just 65 balls. Maxwell was well supported by Usman Khawaja and Travis Head.
Khawaja finally came into his own on a tour which has been very poor for the left-handed batsmen. Khawaja who was touted to be the next big thing in Australian cricket, failed to impressive anyone. Head whose contribution was lauded in the ODI series continued his show with the bat in the T20I series as well. Head who is known to be a devastating batsmen in the T20 format, has proved his runs in gold against Sri Lanka in the first T20I. ALSO READ: Sri Lanka vs Australia, 2nd T20I: Key battles
With Warner, looking in ominous form along the ever consistent George Bailey, Australia have the much needed fire-power in their arsenal. Moises Henriques, Peter Nevill and James Faulkner form a formidable lower middle-order for them, which can anytime change the course of the match. Faulkner in particular is a dark horse in the T20 format with his batting and bowling skills. Speaking of Australia’s bowling one can’t start a conversation without mentioning Starc.
Starc in all probability has owned the series for Australia. Starc in the Tests and ODIs was the go-to bowler, who single-handedly changed the course of the game on multiple occasions. Scott Boland who is coming in the side replacing a much experienced Josh Hazlewood, displayed why he can easily take overt the mental of a good opening bowler for Australia. Boland in the first T20I picked up crucial Sri Lankan wickets which caused their downfall ending with figures of 3 for 26. Another bowler who has risen from the ground level is Adam Zampa. Zampa in particular has outfoxed batsmen with his guile and spin.
What is more important for Australia is to win the T20I series 2-0, and avenge their humiliating Test defeat against Sri Lanka. Smith was the designated skipper who handed over the reins to Warner, who displayed his tactical brilliance and smartness on the field time and again. Warner has led the side with much grit and exuberance which was kind of lacking in the Test series quite obviously. Few players will be eager to prove their worth on the field. Maxwell did have a rocking start to the series and will want to make sure that it was not just one innings wonder. Bailey has been their go to batsmen in the ODI series and continues to be their most consistent player in the shortest format as well.
Another player who will look to cement his side in the team will be Head, who has shown he is no mug with the bat on subcontinental conditions, where much more famed batsmen have failed and perished. Henriques who was expected to fire in the series, has not set the ball rolling so far, and will be under a lot of pressure to show his talent in the final match on the tour. The toss-up between Matthew Wade and Peter Nevill has been long debated with both batsmen unable to stamp their authority any which manner. Wade in the ODI series did play a few handy knocks but Nevill is yet to display his batting abilities in the limited-format of the game.
With a truck load of first team bowlers out, a lot of responsibilities has fallen on the shoulder of Bolland and John Hastings. Both have been decent enough on the tour but were expected to show their true prowess with the ball, Hastings in particular. With a tour to South Africa coming up, this final T20I becomes important for them to make that one final burst of talent to the selectors. Zampa undoubtedly has been the find of Australian cricket this summer and will look to end the tour on a massive high.
Australia have a long season ahead with South Africa and Pakistan touring their nation. Post which Australia embark on what Steve Waugh called as his final frontier India, to play a four-Test series. Given how they have fared in the subcontinent, this series against Sri Lanka becomes highly crucial for their success in upcoming tour. Warner will want to keep his own and his team pride enact by winning the T20I series by a margin of 2-0.
Squad:
Australia: David Warner(c), George Bailey, James Faulkner, Glenn Maxwell, Travis Head, Moises Henriques, Peter Nevill(wk), Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, John Hastings, Scott Boland, Matthew Wade
(Vishal Mehra is a reporter at CricketCountry, who enjoys his weekly dose of anime, and plays cricket once a white moon. His twitter handle is @capturethecatch )
