Australia aim to keep winning momentum (Preview)

Not often do you see Sri Lanka struggling in limited overs cricket and that too in their own backyard. Australia have put aside all the off-field distractions to outclass Sri Lanka in the ODI series with a five wicket series clinching win in the fourth match. The unassailable 3-1 lead means both the teams have nothing to lose in the last match. However, both the teams would like to start the upcoming test series with wins under their belt.

So far, Michael Clarke has done well after taking up the captaincy mantle from Ponting, two back to back series wins on foreign soil are good results for any captain. He has shone with the bat also, especially his ability to tackle spin has come handy during the three successful Aussie chases in the series. But, the rest of the batting has not performed consistently. Even in a small chase, their middle order nearly collapsed when debutant Seekkuge Prasana grabbed three wickets in one over including both the Hussey brothers. Brad Haddin also needs to get some runs before the all-important test series commences and Sunday would be the last opportunity for him before the red ball replaces white one.

For Sri Lanka, the batting has been a constant worry after the success of the two T20 matches. The problem for them is that the batsmen have not spent considerable amount of time in the middle. They seem to be slipping in the T20 mode even in situations which do not require audacious stroke play. The way the team was skittled for just 132 in the last match is enough of a proof.

All said and done, it remains to be seen whether Australia can continue the good run or let their intensity drop in a dead rubber. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, can claim some lost pride by narrowing down the margin of defeat to 2-3.

Australia Squad: Shane Watson, Brad Haddin, Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke (C), Michael Hussey, David Hussey, Shaun Marsh, Steven Smith, John Hastings, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Xavier Doherty, James Pattinson, Doug Bollinger.

Sri Lanka Squad: Tillakaratne Dilshan (C), Angelo Mathews, Upul Tharanga, Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara (wk), Chamara Silva, Nuwan Kulasekera, Lasith Malinga, Shaminda Eranga, Seekkuge Prasanna, Ajantha Mendis, Jeevan Mendis, Suranga Lakmal, Suraj Randiv.