- Commissioner’s statement on Ventura, Marte
- Ronnie O’Sullivan: Masters champion ‘felt so vulnerable’ in final
- Arron Fletcher Wins 2017 WSOP International Circuit Marrakech Main Event ($140,224)
- Smith challenges Warner to go big in India
- Moncada No. 1 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 10 2B Prospects list
- Braves land 2 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 10 2B Prospects list
- Kingery makes MLB Pipeline’s Top 10 2B Prospects list
- New Zealand wrap up 2-0 after Bangladesh implosion
- Mathews, Pradeep, Gunathilaka to return to Sri Lanka
- Elliott hopes for rain for Poli
Calm SL ready for Australia’s rebound
- Updated: August 23, 2016
Match facts
Wednesday, August 24, 2016 Start time 1430 local (0900 GMT)
Big Picture
A poor opening stand for Sri Lanka, wickets for Mitchell Starc, ragging turn, catches at short leg, and problems with bowlers’ foot holes – had an Australia fan run naked across ground, the first ODI would have been almost exactly like the Test series. The teams, though, had swapped roles. It was Australia’s attack that had the discipline to squeeze regular wickets out. It was Australia’s top order that outlined the ideal approach on such tracks, by attacking early in their innings, and scrapping later on. And it was Sri Lanka that suffered the batting collapse.
Colombo was swept up in the good vibes generated by the Test whitewash. Angelo Mathews and the team management remain confident the young players who did well in the longest format would hit their stride in the ODIs as well. In addition, there was excitement over freshly-unearthed talent. Amila Aponso out-bowled more experienced spinners in his debut match, and several of his deliveries turned so much they wound up at slip.
But Sri Lanka, who have lost their last four ODIs, have to come from behind now. And Australia, having proven they are the best team in the world on high-scoring tracks, don’t too out of place playing limited-overs cricket in low-scoring conditions.
Form guide
(last five completed matches, …
continue reading in source www.espncricinfo.com
