Having already wrapped up the five-match T20I series, Australia will now look to experiment and explore various combinations in the two dead-rubber matches to fine tune their squad for T20 World Cup 2022. To begin with, they will not be pleased with their batting output. Ben McDermott started the series with a fifty but has failed since then. Captain Aaron Finch got two thirties, but has not looked fluent in the Powerplay overs. He came at No. 3 in the last game.
Finch has indicated that he might come to bat at No. 5 in the next two games. The rationale is to test Australia's batting depth as well as utilise the hitting potential of Ashton Agar, who was paired with McDermott at the top. Although Agar fell for 13, the team management is likely to persist with the same combination.
On the bowling front, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc have been rested for the rest of the series, as Australia want them fresh for the upcoming Pakistan tour. Adam Zampa will return after missing the last game, while Kane Richardson, Moises Henriques and Jhye Richardson will lead the pace attack.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, have been let down by their top order. Barring Pathum Nissanka, their leading run-getter of the series, no one has contributed much. Danushka Gunathilaka and Avishka Fernando have got just 21 runs between them. The latter had to be dropped in the last game. The biggest setback for them had been the absence of Wanindu Hasaranga, who is currently under isolation after testing positive for Covid-19.
Probable XIs
Australia: Ben McDermott, Ashton Agar, Aaron Finch (c), Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade (wk), Adam Zampa, Kane Richardson, Moises Henriques, Jhye Richardson
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Dinesh Chandimal (wk), Dasun Shanaka (c), Chamika Karunaratne, Dushmantha Chameera, Jeffrey Vandersay, Maheesh Theekshana and Nuwan Thushara.
Fantasy Tips
- Place your bet on Sri Lanka to win their first game of the tour.
- Nissanka and Theekshana are must-haves for your side.
- Make Asalanka captain and Richardson vice-captain.
Fantasy XI:
Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Ashton Agar, Charith Asalanka (c), Matthew Wade, Maheesh Theekshana, Jhye Richardson (vc), Dushmantha Chameera, Aaron Finch, Daniel Sams, Dasun Shanaka