Yes, even against world champs Australia. Over to Sri Lankan speed king Lasith Malinga
Yes, even against world champs Australia. Over to Sri Lankan speed king Lasith Malinga
The Australian selectors' gamble in choosing a pace attack that was wicket, rather than containment oriented, is looking more likely to succeed as every day of this World Cup passes.
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However, the theory faces its first significant challenge in the form of Sri Lanka at home. The Sri Lankan batting is top-heavy in class, with the three best batsman residing at that address and the big question mark concerns their middle-order.
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If the Australian pace attack, spear-headed by Brett Lee and supported by erratic speedsters Shaun Tait and Mitchell Johnson, is able to blast out early wickets then Sri Lanka is in trouble. In this case Australia will be able to restrict the Sri Lankan total and they have the batting to topple that sort of target.
Australia's difficulties will arise if they're forced to chase a tough target at the Premadasa Stadium. Sri Lanka has a well-balanced attack when Lasith Malinga is in occupation. If the opening attack is able to blast through Shane Watson and Brad Haddin at the top, then the frailty of Australia's middle-order against good spin bowling could be exposed.
If the Australian middle-order does struggle against Murali and co, then don't be surprised if the selectors take another punt and choose the previously injured Michael Hussey as the replacement for fast bowler Doug Bollinger.
Lasith Malinga celebrates an Australian wicket in Sydney on November
5, 2010. Pic/Getty Images
Despite being a gamble, the choice of Hussey the elder would make sense because even if one of the fast bowlers was to break down [and Lee and Tait do have history], the team has a lot of faith in back-up, John Hastings. The other area of Australia's game that will be tested is the spin bowling. Both Jason Krezja and Steve Smith are attacking bowlers and Ricky Ponting is not yet convinced of their viability. A set-back in this game would put further doubts in his mind.
Having lost to Pakistan, Sri Lanka need the victory more than Australia. However, the Australians are eyeing off top spot in group A, which is likely to lead to a softer quarter-final against either West Indies, Bangladesh or even Ireland.
The ability to take wickets will be paramount in winning this tournament. This clash is between two of the three best balanced attacks and if Sri Lanka does post a decent target then we'll find out how good this Australian side really is.
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