Sri Lanka produced an exciting victory in the second game to equalize the series thanks to an excellent display of bowling and fielding. Australia collapsed under the pressure of a chase to lose 5 of 19 and was eliminated by only 189. It was the spinners of Sri Lanka, in the absence of Wanindu Hasaranga, who caused the collapse with Dhananjaya of Silva and Dunith Wellalage taking two ports each before. Chamika Karunaratne and Dushmantha Chameera broke the lower order. Karunaratne grabbed the key to Glenn Maxwell and produced a good run to eliminate Alex Carey to end the game. Adding salt to Australia’s wounds, Steven Smith injured his left quad as he baptized and is under a cloud heading to the 3rd ODI as the number of visitors ’injuries continues to rise.
Sri Lanka will have a lot of confidence in their performance after winning without Hasaranga. The successful use of Dhananjaya, especially in the powerplay of the early Australian, is a project that will surely be repeated again in this series. Although they need more returns with the bat, as all of their top eight reached double figures, but no one started making more than 36.
Australia is also frustrated that its first order could not start in Pallekele. David Warner and Smith played well, but made mistakes at important times. Australian vice-captain Alex Carey noted before the third game that the highest order was willing to go deeper into the game and produce bigger partnerships. They also want to get closer to the field after two messy performances in the first two ODIs. But Australia played well in the second game with debutant Matthew Kuhnemann making a good display after being called up to replace Ashton Agar.
(last five games, most recent first)
Charith Asalanka He is arguably one of Sri Lanka’s most talented first-rate hitters, but he has yet to perform really well at the ODI level. He’s made five 50+ scores in 13 innings, but he’s never gone above 77. He’s had good contact with all T20Is and ODIs so far this month, but he hasn’t started yet. Sri Lanka really need him to delve deeper into the game in Hasaranga’s absence so he can use his power in the last 10 overs and set up the home side to get a great score.Matthew Kuhnemann he was extremely impressive in his international debut at Pallekele. He flew from the Australian A match in Hambantota with a helicopter shortly before and bowled and played magnificently, choosing two ports and catching two very good catches. Even more impressive was the fact that he played within powerplay on his debut with great effect, something Ashton Agar does not often do. Kuhnemann has the opportunity in the rest of this series to continue to increase the hierarchical order of Australian spinners and make a case for being on the test team if Agar’s side injury doesn’t heal in time.
Sri Lanka could be without changes in the third game if Hasaranga is not yet available due to a groin strain. His well-balanced attack worried Australia and gave options to Dasun Shanaka, but the baptism still seems a bit vulnerable. They could take Bhanuka Rajapaksa, set aside Vandersay and use Dhananjaya’s total overtime quota. But it seems unlikely.
Sri Lanka (possible): 1 Danushka Gunathilaka, 2 Pathum Nissanka, 3 Kusal Mendis (week), 4 Dhananjaya de Silva, 5 Charith Asalanka, 6 Dasun Shanaka (cap), 7 Chamika Karunaratne, 8 Dunith Wellalage, 9 Dushmantha Chameera Jeffrey Vandersay, 10 , 11 Maheesh Theekshana
There are question marks about Smith, but it has not yet been ruled out. Mitchell Marsh (knee) or Mitchell Starc (finger) are unlikely to be in shape, although both are about to return. Cameron Green is available for bowling that could see him back next door. He could go in and give Aaron Finch seven bowling options, with Head possibly slipping the order to No. 3 if Smith is ruled out. The only way to play Mitchell Marsh is if you don’t play. Australia also have Josh Inglis available to replace Smith.
Australia (possible): 1 David Warner, 2 Aaron Finch (captain), 3 Steven Smith / Travis Head, 4 Marnus Labuschagne, 5 Alex Carey (week), 6 Cameron Green, 7 Glenn Maxwell, 8 Pat Cummins, 9 Mitchell Swepson, 10 Matthew Kuhnemann, 11 Josh Hazlewood
Rain could play again with both games interrupted at Pallekele. There is a periodic storm forecast for the afternoon. A cool pitch at R Premadasa Stadium might not give as much spin as the surface of Pallekele, but the spinners should still play a role.
“We lost wickets at crucial times and we just couldn’t get an association of any real substance. So we’re going to think about it. We’re in a new place and we’re going to get all the information as best we can today and when we get there tomorrow.” Alex Carey talking about what Australia needs to improve before the 3rd ODI in Colombo