http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sri-Lanka-c758 – 2nd Test – Match Preview - Part 1
Australia aims to wrap up the Test series when they take on Sri Lanka in the second match, which starts on Boxing Day at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, on December 26, 2012.
In the first Test between the two sides, the Aussies registered an impressive first win of the ongoing home summer despite the absence of one http://www.senore.com/Cricket/BW-Hilfenhaus-c1204, displayed commendable resolve to get the job done.
Despite their thumping margin of victory, Australia was still left to ponder their next move after two more players broke down due to injuries. The mounting list now not only includes Hilfenhaus – the seventh bowler to get injured this season – but the skipper himself, who had to cut short another delightful innings after suffering a hamstring tweak on day 4.
The injury is not as serious as one may expect, but given the extended workload Clarke will face in the coming year the selectors are contemplating upon giving him some well-deserved rest, despite a week’s break between the bouts. However, that then leaves them with some major decisions to make.
He is the only natural leader in the side, and the reluctance shown by the selection panel in naming his successor depicts thahttp://www.senore.com/Cricket/Thomas-George-Burrows-c93472 they don’t consider anyone, at present, to be a tailor-made replacement.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Mickey-Arthur-c1969 shared that a decision will be made on the eve of the clash. The skipper has batted in the nets but whether he can last the full five-day duration, remains to be seen.
"He's travelling optimistically and well. But he's 50-50 as to whether he'll be fit enough to play on Boxing Day," Inverarity said. "He's a very precious asset and I would go low risk. He's always upbeat, he desperately wants to play. But we certainly don't want to push him especially hard in a Test for him to break down."
If deemed unfit, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/MJ-Clarke-c1978 is just 55 shy of equalling Ponting’s record of most runs by an Australian in a calendar year, but like the man he is, Clarke was quick to look at the bigger picture and downplayed the historic landmark.
The bowling department will again have a new face – this time in http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Mitchell-Aaron-Starc-c76392, who will be rested for the clash.
The 22-year-old played in the last two Tests, where he has grabbed 14 wickets, including a decisive 5 for 63 against the Lankans, but will make way for http://www.senore.com/Cricket/MG-Johnson-c1945 in a bid to stay fit for the final Test, which will be played in the first week of January.
Continued in Part 2...
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