Beleaguered Aussies look for fresh beginning in ODIs (Preview)

Just two matches into the tour, Sri Lanka have already stamped their authority over Australia with comprehensive wins in the Twenty20’s taking the series 2-0. The start to the visitors’ first significant tour after the 2011 WC has not been especially auspicious and they have little time left to set things in order for the five match ODI series and the subsequent test series.

So far, Australia’s worst fears have come true, the batsmen have appeared to be sitting ducks against a hostile brand of spin bowling on tracks that offer lavish turn. The Lankan spinners have literally spun a web the around the ‘Men in Yellow’, be it debutant Dilruwan Perera or mystery man Ajantha Mendis the turning ball has given the Aussies a torrid time. They must be thanking their stars for Muttiah Murlitharan is no longer around. So, it is very much clear that the issues against spin have to be resolved before they even hope of putting up some kind of resistance.

There is some hope though; return of experienced men like Ponting, Michael Hussey and Captain Clarke is definitely a morale booster. These three senior pros are far better players of spin than the lot that batted in T20’s. Clarke would also be coming with new ideas that can make a lot of difference to the way they approach games on this tour. The first one-dayer to be played at the same venue as the T20’s would be an ideal opportunity for Australia to make a fresh beginning and set the tone for the all important test series.

Sri Lanka, on the contrary have exploited the limitation of their opponents by employing a spin-heavy bowling attack. Their batting led by skipper Dilshan has also batted according the conditions. The skipper along with former captains Sangakkara and Jayawardene would be critical to their cause. Even though some doubts over the fitness of Lasith Malinga have weakened the bowling little bit, battery of spinners they have in the squad would make life difficult for the Aussies.

To sum it up, Sri Lanka have the advantage of knowing the conditions very well while as, Australia would have to adapt fast to turn the tables in their favour. Otherwise, the series would a lop-sided one and the visitors’ ratings as well as reputation will take a hit.

Squads:

Sri Lanka: T M Dilshan (Capt), Mahela Jayawardena, Kumar Sangakkara, Angelo Mathews, Chamara Kapugedera, Jeevan Mendis, Chamara Silva, Dinesh Chandimal, Dimuth Karunaratne, Thisara Perera, Lasith Malinga, Suranga Lakmal, Dhammika Prasad, Nuwan Kulasekara, Isuru Udana, Suraj Randiv, Ajantha Mendis, Rangana Herath, Malinga Bandara, Sachithra Senanayake.

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