http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sri-Lanka-c758 – 3rd CB series final – Australian batsmen to watch out for
The Commonwealth Bank series finals have reached a thrilling finale as both Australia and Sri Lanka stand at 1-1, with the deciding match scheduled for March 8 at the Adelaide Oval.
The previous match saw Sri Lanka triumphant with an 8-wicket win, owing largely to the powerful opening stand of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/TM-Dilshan-c2691 (106). However, while the Aussies found themselves unable to restrict the opponents’ score,
they displayed exceptional batting prowess, with both David Warner (100) and http://www.senore.com/Cricket/MJ-Clarke-c1978 (117) rallying together for a partnership which resulted in two centuries.
Eager to finish on a high note before they leave for a tour of the http://www.senore.com/Cricket/West-Indies-c760, the formidable Australian batting order currently poses a real threat to the Lankans, considering the frailties of their bowling lineup.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/DA-Warner-c1301
Aussie batsman David Warner has been on a roll, scoring 163 off 157 balls in the first final of the CB series (his first ODI century), and following that up with a second consecutive ton (100) in the 2nd match. After registering average scores
in the beginning of the series, the hard-hitting 25-year-old appears to finally have found his rhythm, and is expected to give the Lankan bowlers a difficult time.
Warner is currently at number 2 on the series record list for most runs (458), and his 163 was the highest score of the tournament. He also has the third highest batting average (45.80) in the Australian team in the ongoing series.
Warner’s fitness was recently cast into doubt after he sustained a groin injury which in the first final at Brisbane, however, if his scores are anything to go by, he appears to have made a full recovery.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/MEK-Hussey-c1942
One of the most senior players on the squad, Michael Hussey has the responsibility of stepping into the http://www.senore.com/Cricket/RT-Ponting-c2377, who was axed from the squad, mid-series. Known for his consistent batting and steady accumulation of runs, the
elder Hussey has been fairly mediocre throughout the series, with his highest being 59 against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/India-c750 at Brisbane.
However, Hussey’s outings in the Test series against India earlier this year were fairly solid, which included an unbeaten 150. The left-hander currently stands at number 12 on the series record list for most runs, with 225, but with the series at a close,
he will undoubtedly be looking to move up the charts and channel the same spirit which saw him succeed in the Tests.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/SR-Watson-c2558
With skipper Michael Clarke out owing to a hamstring strain, Shane http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Watson-c96326 will once again be stepping in as captain. The last time Watson led the team, he claimed that the added responsibility improved his game – in this case, with the weight of captaining
the team in the decider of the series on his shoulders, the level of his performances ought to be sky-high.
Despite his previous batting records, which have been impressive, the 30-year-old stands at number 20 on the series records list for most runs, with 102. However, he has only played 4 matches in the series.
The right-hander has been a useful all-rounder for his team, and his bowling has improved a great deal throughout the series. Watson took 3 for 33 in the first final, which eventually helped his side to emerge victorious, following the late onslaught from
the Lankan lower-order. His two-pronged threat holds key with the fans banking on him to lead from the front.
Tags: