Sri Lanka v Australia: 2nd ODI – Match Preview
Sri Lanka will take on http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 in the second One Day International (ODI) of the five-match series at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium, Hambantota in Sri Lanka on Sunday, August 14, 2011.
The visitors had a bad start to the tour, losing both Twenty20 games played under the captaincy of Cameron White. They seemed to be under immense pressure and struggled against the spin bowling of the Lankan http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Lions-c808.
However, the momentum shifted once both teams played the first ODI of the series at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. Australia were dominant throughout the game, as the 50-over and Test captain http://www.senore.com/Cricket/MJ-Clarke-c1978 made a successful start to his campaign.
Prior to the star of the first ODI, the tourists were expected to struggle in every format of the game, as they did in the Twenty20s.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sri-Lanka-c758 started the match as favourites and they were rated even higher after winning the toss on a slow pitch. However, the hosts were unable to make an impression and were restricted to 191 all out in just 41.1 overs.
The Kangaroos were still expected to struggle a bit, but they played professionally, winning the match comfortably by seven wickets and 71 balls remaining in the end.
Although the Aussie pacer http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Clarke-c51120 was also crucial.
Both players had quit playing Twenty20 cricket, focussing fully on the ODIs and Tests. They scored half-centuries in their respective outings, guiding the team to a comprehensive win.
The Australian middle-order had lesser pressure, as the team was given a blistering start by all-rounder http://www.senore.com/Cricket/BJ-Haddin-c1170 has been a terrific opening pair for the team and will look to dominate the Sri Lankan bowling attack in today’s game as well.
There are some utility cricketers in the Australian lower-order, who can bat in any situation. The Hussey brothers David and Michael are followed by all-rounders Johnson and http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Steven-Barry-Smith-c91279, who can all bat well under pressure situations.
Apart from the batting, the tourists’ have a decent pace attack led by veteran http://www.senore.com/Cricket/XJ-Doherty-c2804 in the team, which is unusual for a team. However, the formula has worked well for the Aussies until now.
On the other hand, Sri Lanka will still be confident of being dominant in the series after their loss in the first ODI. The team has some quality batsmen in their top-order. http://www.senore.com/Cricket/TM-Dilshan-c2691 gave a strong start to their side in the first game, but the batting collapsed once the openers got out.
However, some quality players like http://www.senore.com/Cricket/KC-Sangakkara-c1779 will be eying to lead the comeback of their team in today’s game.
Sri Lanka’s bowling is likely to be strengthened by the return of pacer http://www.senore.com/Cricket/BAW-Mendis-c1127 will also be looking forward to make an impression.
Just one match earlier, the Sri Lankan team appeared to be the favourite, but it is the other way round now. However, both teams have the quality to provide wonderful entertainment to the spectators, playing competitive cricket.
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