Australia vs Sri Lanka – 2nd Test at Melbourne – Australian players to watch out for
Coming from their first Test victory at home this summer, Australia is all set to face the touring Lankans in Melbourne for the Boxing Day Test on December 26th 2012.
Following the defeat against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Mitchell-Aaron-Starc-c76392 were the
stars on the final day.
A number of Australian players performed well during their first innings to help their side reach a formidable total of 450 before declaring. Making a comeback in the side, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Phillip-Hughes-c2185 played a dazzling knock of 86-runs to justify his re-call in the side
following the retirement of veteran batsman, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/RT-Ponting-c2377.
Scoring all around the park, Hughes showed marked improvement in his technique as a batsman to cement a place in the playing XI for Australia. The skipper, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/MJ-Clarke-c1978, making a solid 74 in the first innings, could not resume his batting (57*) on the
second after falling to a hamstring strain which put in doubt his Boxing Day appearance.
Siddle, named the Man of the Match for his 9 wickets in the game, was the standout bowler for Australia. With his consistent performances in the past couple of Tests for Australia, the 28-year-old has become a mainstay of the Kangaroo attack. He was supported
equally by Mitchell Starc, who ended up bulldozing the lower half of Sri Lanka’s batting to give his side their first glory at home on the 5th day at Bellerive Oval.
Looking to wrap things up at Melbourne following their 1-0 lead in the 3 Test series, Australia has a number of players in their line-up which the visitors should be wary of.
Phillip Hughes
Making a dashing comeback in the Australian side following Ponting’s retirement, Hughes was able to justify his inclusion with an 86 in the first innings. Dropped last year after his poor show against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/New-Zealand-c754 during the Australian summer, his immaculate
run scoring in the domestic circuit this season backed his case for the re-call.
Strong on the offside in his previous appearances, the 24-year-old struck numerous shots (such as the pull) to all corners of the park at Hobart during the first Test to prove his technical soundness.
Having 18 matches under his belt, Hughes has been able to make 3 centuries and 4 fifties, averaging 35.57. Batting at number 3, the left-handed batsman can prove to be a match-winner for Australia and a permanent fixture in the playing XI.
Michael Hussey
The Mr. Cricket, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sri-Lanka-c758 (115* & 31*), Hussey proved too good for the Lankan bowling attack.
Having the experience of 77 Tests, the 37-year-old holds a remarkable average of 51.67 with 19 centuries and 29 fifties. Given his sensational record for Australia, alongside his supreme batting form, Hussey will be the key batsman to watch-out for in the
second Test.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/PM-Siddle-c2197
Fighting exhaustion and fatigue this season after his herculean efforts against South Africa at Adelaide (where he almost bagged his side a Test victory single handedly), the 28-year-old can be easily tagged as the “go-to” man for Australia with his wicket
taking abilities.
Having 135 victims in Test cricket so far, the right-arm fast bowler has taken six 5-wicket hauls.
Jackson http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Bird-c48123
Following Ben Hilfenhaus’ injury during the first Test, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 on Boxing Day. Having an impressive record at Melbourne (14 victims to his name in just two games as a first-class
cricketer there), Bird will be a threat for the opposition with his consistent and patient bowling.
Tags: