Match Preview – Australia vs Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka in Australia 2021/22, 2nd T20I
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The hosts might be disappointed at how the middle order fell away on Friday, but won’t be sweating just yet
Big picture
You might get the better of Australia’s batters, but then you have to contend with their world-class attack as well. Although Sri Lanka did well to restrict Australia to less than 150 in the opening match, they never had the measure of the chase. Australia’s bowlers were too skillful and accurate; Sri Lanka’s top order was inexperienced and ineffective.
The Sri Lankan batters struck the occasional boundary, suggesting they were not totally out of their depths. But they were not particularly judicious as to which balls they went after, and frequently got into trouble trying to hit back-to-back boundaries, with the required rate climbing.
Australia might be disappointed at how the middle order fell away on Friday, after Ben McDermott had provided a solid start. But such is the quality they possess, they probably aren’t going to sweat it just yet. Plus, with the likes of Adam Zampa in the side, and with Sri Lanka’s long-standing issues against wrist spin taken into account, Australia may feel they have plenty of room for error on the batting front. They may, however, be a little more wary of Wanindu Hasaranga, who took three wickets on Friday.
Form guide
(completed matches, most recent first)
Sri Lanka LWLLL
Australia WWWWW
In the spotlight
Team news
Andrew McDonald indicated there could be a change depending on how players pulled up after the opening game. It would most likely come in the pace attack. Kane Richardson and Jhye Richardson are both part of the squad.
Australia (possible) 1 Aaron Finch (capt.), 2 Ben McDermott, 3 Josh Inglis, 4 Glenn Maxwell, 5 Steven Smith, 6 Marcus Stoinis, 7 Matthew Wade (wk), 8 Pat Cummins, 9 Mitchell Starc, 10 Adam Zampa, 11 Josh Hazlewodd
Sri Lanka are also likely to go in unchanged, with Kusal Mendis still isolating after testing positive for Covid-19.
Sri Lanka (possible) 1 Danushka Gunathilaka, 2 Pathum Nissanka, 3 Avishka Fernando, 4 Charith Asalanka, 5 Dinesh Chandimal (wk), 6 Dasun Shanaka (capt.), 7 Wanindu Hasaranga, 8 Chamika Karunaratne, 9 Dushmantha Chameera, 10 Binura Fernando, 11 Maheesh Theekshana
Pitch and conditions
The pitch is expected to be decent for batting again. There is a slight chance of showers interrupting, but there should be enough clear weather to get a game.
Stats and trivia
Andrew Fidel Fernando is ESPNcricinfo’s Sri Lanka correspondent. @afidelf
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