Two former champions in the dumps – Australia
and Sri Lanka meet in Ekana Stadium, Lucknow
October 16, 2023: We are not yet anywhere near the business
end of the World Cup, but a few teams are already in the territory of "no
further losses" and who would have thought one of them would be Australia.
Champion team, batters who are super
consistent, bowlers who are fast and accurate, a group of more than useful
all-rounders, yet it is surprising that Australia haven't crossed 200 in their
previous two matches, and is currently placed at the last position in the
points table. Well, you can't start a big tournament like World Cup, with one
of your gun player in the 15 member squad nursing an injury and back home at
the beginning of the tournament, when all teams strive to get off the start
line with a bang!!
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, despite
scoring back-to-back 300s, backed by Kusal Mendis blinders at the top order,
are yet to register a win, thanks to their mystery yet inconsistent bowling
attack. Problems seem to have only further confounded, with Shanaka ruled out
of the WC, and more than his batting/bowling, SL will miss his astute yet
calming influence as a captain. Wellalage could be handful given the struggles
the Australian middle order has had with left arm spin.
Australia might not have it easy tomorrow but expect them to register a comfortable victory. If the same pitch is used in Lucknow, expect some more turn and Sri Lanka might feel home and give Australians a run for their money!!
Key Battles:
Starc vs Kusal Mendis
Theekshana vs Warner
Wellalage vs Australia middle order
- Karthik, Team Pure Cricket
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Pics: Internet
If they lose to a team that had to prove in qualifiers - Aussie management will look for heads to roll
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