SL v AUS, 4th ODI Preview: Lankans entertain high-flying Aussies

Sri Lanka will most certainly have their backs to the wall in the fourth SL v Australia One-Dayer scheduled to be played at Ranagiri stadium in Dambulla. With the Aussies up in the series 2-1, a win would consummate David Warner’s captaincy of the Australian side. However, Angelo Mathews will be doing everything he can to stop his counterpart from ensuring a win.

Pitch Conditions:

In spite of the Ranagiri Stadium in Dambulla being one of the newest stadiums in the country, there is a lot on offer for the spinners. Having come into existence in 2001, Dambulla also draws a large crowd to the matches, something that has been the trend for Sri Lankan cricket thus far in their history. Dilruwan Perera and Amila Aponso will be licking their lips as the pivotal ODI begins.

Team Analysis

Sri Lanka

Going into the fourth ODI, Sri Lanka will be hoping that they do not fall painfully short as they have done for the most part in the series thus far. However, in spite of Tillakaratne Dilshan calling it quits, the Lankans seem to be a formidable unit. Moreover, with the likes of Dinesh Chandimal as well as Kusal Mendis in form at the moment, it would be safe to admit that the series would indeed enter a deciding match in the final ODI.

The spotlight as far as Sri Lanka would be concerned would be on Dinesh Chandimal. However, a sliver of the same would be consumed by youngster Amila Aponso. In spite of losing some of the matches, Aponso has clearly been the best bowler for the home side in the series. That said, he will be expected to make an impact in the final ODI of the series.

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Australia

Australia and their newly-appointed skipper David Warner will be on the verge of completing history should the Australian team complete a win and clinch the series in the 4th ODI. However, Warner and his men will only know all too well that underestimating a dangerous side will only lead to problems and a loss.

With Shaun Marsh ruled out with a finger injury, Usman Khawaja will not only take his place in the batting side, but also his place in the spotlight. Although the southpaw has been in a terrible run of form of late, he seems to be perhaps the best replacement for the injured Marsh.

Probable XI:

Sri Lanka:

Angelo Mathews (C), Kusal Perera (wk), Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Mendis, Dimuth Karunaratne/ Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis, Thisara Perera, Suranga Lakmal, Amila Aponso, Dilruwan Perera, Lakshan Sandakan

Australia:

David Warner (C), Matthew Wade (wk), Aaron Finch, Usman Khawaja, George Bailey, Travis Head, Moises Henriques, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Adam Zampa, John Hastings

Telecast on Ten Sports

Match starts at 14:30 IST

StAttack:

1. Australia has won two of the three matches they have played at the Ranagiri in Dambulla.

2. Shaun Marsh requires 142 runs to complete 2000 ODI runs. However, his further participation in the series is subject to his fitness.

3. Matthew Wade requires just 9 dismissals to complete 100 dismissals in ODI cricket. He will become only the fifth wicketkeeper for Australia to do so.

4. The team batting second at Dambulla has won 3 of the last five matches.