Daijiworld Media Network
Sydney, Feb 17: Welcome to the 6th match of the CB series between Australia and Sri Lanka from the SCG. This is a must win game for the Sri Lankans, while for Australia, a win for them will push them to the top of the table.
Michael Clarke is not playing in this match due to a hamstring injury. Ricky Ponting will be leading the side today. It will be his first match in charge since the quarter-final match against India at Ahmedabad during the 2011 World Cup.
Sri Lanka have had good success against Australia in the recent past at the SCG. In the last three games played here between these two teams at this venue, Sri Lanka have won all three. They will be hoping that the trend continues even today.
Interesting Trivia: This is the venue where Wasim Akram took his 400th ODI wicket.
Pitch Report: There is some grass on this track and it has been rolled in. The new ball will swing for the first 10-15 overs and then it will be a good batting track with even bounce. The weather has been great and the surface underneath is dry. The team that wins the toss should bat first.
Mahela: We are playing good cricket. We need to finish the games well and we need to avoid mistakes. We need to be perfect in all three departments. Upul Tharanga is out and Lahiru Thirimanne comes in. Senanayake is out and Maharoof comes in. We have chased well in the past.
Ponting: We will bat. It is good to be back leading the side. There is a little bit of grass on the wicket but the ball will come on nicely to the bat. Brett Lee replaces Ryan Harris and Michael Hussey replaces Clarke. Xavier Doherty is fine.
Australia have won the toss and elected to bat
Teams:
Sri Lanka (Playing XI): Mahela Jayawardene(c), Tillakaratne Dilshan, Kumar Sangakkara(w), Dinesh Chandimal, Lahiru Thirimanne, Angelo Mathews, Thissara Perera, Farveez Maharoof, Nuwan Kulasekara, Lasith Malinga, Rangana Herath
Australia (Playing XI): David Warner, Ricky Ponting(c), Michael Hussey, Peter Forrest, David Hussey, Matthew Wade(w), Daniel Christian, Brett Lee, Mitchell Starc, Xavier Doherty, Clint McKay