Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
Australia vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test Preview Dream11
By far the most comfortable of matches for Australia in any format since that tour of South Africa. Disappointingly, for the tourists, it was not so unexpected, and now face a number injuries in their quest for what looks like an improbable series-leveler.
The first Test was a welcome change for Australia. After the sight of Cheteshwar Pujara for hours on end, Australia are on track for their first series win in any format since Cape Town after completely dominating the Sri Lankan batsmen in Brisbane. Canberra promises to be a bit more of a challenge on the bowling front, with the pitch expected to be good for batting, and Sri Lanka having a Test under their belt. Can the Aussies put together their best performance to end a difficult summer on a high?
A competitive outing will be a success for Sri Lanka. Fans and all associated with Sri Lankan cricket were right to feel hopeful before the first Test against an Australian side that has had a difficult summer, but they were never in the fight, crumbling in both innings on the way to a heavy innings defeat. However, conditions in Canberra’s first ever Test could help the Sri Lankans, with the Manuka Oval track usually a pretty good one for batting, with spin to possibly play a factor, too. Can Sri Lanka cause the Aussies issues?
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Key to an Australia win
Jhye Richardson and World Number Three Pat Cummins were outstanding at The Gabba, and will be key especially with Mitchell Starc struggling for rhythm. Conditions in Canberra for at least the first two or three days might require maximum impact with the new ball, and Richardson and Cummins will be called on to challenge Sri Lanka’s top and middle order. However, can Mitchell Starc deliver at the top? He was under par in Brisbane, and Australia need him to find his groove in a World Cup and Ashes year. With Nathan Lyon on hand to provide able support, early wickets with the chance of turn and reverse swing throughout the game might be too much for Sri Lanka to deal with.
However, Australia’s big win at the Gabba did mask the issues still there from a batting perspective. There is still no century this summer, and the Australians were once again unable to convert starts into three figures, which is something they have to address. Marcus Harris is one of those players, and against a Sri Lankan attack depleted through injury, the likes of Joe Burns and Usman Khawaja must deliver a strong platform for the likes of Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head and Kurtis Patterson, all in good form, to take advantage. Can the Australians show some much needed ruthlessness?
Key to a Sri Lanka win
Sri Lanka have been hit hard by injury on the pace bowling front. Lahiru Kamara and Dushmantha Chameera join Nuwan Pradeep on the sidelines, and Suranga Lakmal is also in doubt. It is a huge ask for the Sri Lankans to deliver with the ball, but the key is to take advantage with the new ball through good line and length against an Australian batting line up that is still finding its feet. Kasun Rajitha struggled badly in his last Test outing against New Zealand, but he must deliver for his side in time of need, along with Vishwa Fernando who possesses a decent First Class record. With Dilruwan Perera expected to do plenty of bowling in conditions he could enjoy, the Sri Lankan pacers must hold their own for extended periods.
With such a depleted attack, the Sri Lankan batsmen must step up to compete. Dimuth Karunaratne has an opportunity to improve his away record in recent times, and with he and Kusal Mendis excellent performers in 2018, they must deliver to keep Australia’s confident attack at bay. Can Lahiru Thirimanne build on his promising second innings effort in Brisbane? What about Dinesh Chandimal after an awful outing first up? With Niroshan Dickwella capable of runs down the order, Sri Lanka must ensure he enters the crease with his side in a good position.
Possible Playing 11
Australia have selected their XI for this Test. It is the same side as the Gabba Test.
Australia Possible Playing 11: 1. Marcus Harris, 2. Joe Burns, 3. Usman Khawaja, 4. Marnus Labuschagne, 5. Travis Head, 6. Kurtis Patterson, 7. Tim Paine (c & wk), 8. Pat Cummins, 9. Mitchell Starc, 10. Jhye Richardson, 11. Nathan Lyon
As mentioned, Sri Lanka are decimated by injury. Senior quick Suranga Lakmal is in doubt with back stiffness, which means Chamika Karunaratne could make his debut.
Sri Lanka Possible Playing 11: 1. Dimuth Karunaratne, 2. Lahiru Thirimanne, 3. Dinesh Chandimal (capt), 4. Kusal Mendis, 5. Roshen Silva, 6. Dhananjaya de Silva, 7. Niroshan Dickwella (wk), 8. Dilruwan Perera, 9. Suranga Lakmal/Chamika Karunaratne, 10. Kasun Rajitha, 11. Vishwa Fernando
Also read: Virat Kohli or Dwayne Bravo cricket bat… Which makes number one in 2019?
Dream11 Prediction
Stats and Facts
- Manuka Oval in Canberra is Australia’s newest and 11th Test venue.
- Mitchell Starc is averaging 46.68 in his last 11 Tests.
- The last time Australia got though a summer of multiple Tests with no batsman scoring a century was way back in 1886/87.
Match Prediction
Sri Lanka look decimated.
Anything can happen in cricket, but can’t see Sri Lanka pulling off a miracle in this one. Australia to win.
Thanks for reading!
Cricket Tips: Four great ways to maintain your cricket gloves when playing!
Australia vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test Preview Dream11
