Smith’s men look to avoid whitewash

COLOMBO: Captain Steve Smith believes Australian batsmen will have to “reinvent” their game to avoid a whitewash in the third and final test against Sri Lanka beginning

COLOMBO: Captain Steve Smith believes Australian batsmen will have to “reinvent” their game to avoid a whitewash in the third and final test against Sri Lanka beginning on Saturday.

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The hosts have already clinched the series after back-to-back victories at Pallekele and Galle, with their spinners laying bare spin frailties of the tourists whose number one test ranking is at stake.

“Looking at this wicket it looks like it’s going to take a fair bit of spin from day one,” Smith said on the eve of the match.

“In Australia, you don’t get balls that are turning like they are here and skidding on, everything’s pretty consistent. So it’s finding a way, I guess, and getting outside your comfort zone.”

Left-arm spinner Herath has been the tormentor-in-chief, while left-arm Chinaman bowler Sandakan troubled them in Pallekele, while off-spinner Dilruwan Perera claimed 10 wickets at Galle.

Australia were yet to name their playing XI but Smith acknowledged his team would have to find a way to score runs against the hosts’ formidable spin attack.