Sri Lanka’s top order batsmen will have to deliver when they go into their second tri-series match against in-form Australia, hoping to revive their fortunes after a series of indifferent shows of late.Except for young Dinesh Chandimal, no other Sri Lankan batsman made any substantial contribution against India on Wednesday and the visitors will be determined to put up a better show.
Sri Lanka will need Tillakaratne Dilshan to fire at the top while Kumar Sangakkara and skipper Mahela Jayawardene would be key in the middle-order and the duo will have to make its experience and class count.
That will be important to make the job of all-rounder Angelo Matthews easier down the order. Matthews has been in ominous touch and the Sri Lanka need him to continue with his splendid show.
However, it remains to be seen how the Sri Lanka batsman tackle Australia's pace attack, which has troubled the experienced Indian line-up right through their tour.
{{/usCountry}}However, it remains to be seen how the Sri Lanka batsman tackle Australia's pace attack, which has troubled the experienced Indian line-up right through their tour.
{{/usCountry}}Australia have lost Brett Lee to injury but youngster Mitchell Starc and Clint McKay did extremely well. They would relish bowling on the bouncy WACA track.
The way Sri Lanka struggled against off-spinner R Ashwin, the role of Xavier Doherty would also be crucial for Australia. The hosts are also likely to hand a debut to young batsman Peter Forrest, in place of either David Warner or David Hussey.
But Hussey has been in good touch against India and may not like to sit out.