***Official*** Sri Lanka in Australia 2012/2013

[HeathDavisSpeed]

...

Not sure I see the similarity, though I'd love to see Phil Hughes on Stars in their Eyes shaking his maracas.

[Himannv]

WIth such a poor conversion rate ,why is everyone convince Watson is the best man to partner Warner at the top of the order?

I agree that his conversion rate is poor, but he's a much better player than Cowan and his best position is at the top of the order imo. Perhaps my opinion is skewered that way as I don't rate Cowan all that highly.

[Philhughesisbes]

I agree that his conversion rate is poor, but he's a much better player than Cowan and his best position is at the top of the order imo. Perhaps my opinion is skewered that way as I don't rate Cowan all that highly.

Neither do I rate Cowan.However we need to look at the bigger picture here.Australia"s batting depth is at an all time low.Hussey has now retired and the only real sensible option ia Khawaja (and before you say Maxwell let him dominate for two seasons and establish himself in the odi team first) .All the other batting options are either not quite there yet or too old.Who do you propose will replace Cowan?I remember on most of these boards most persons were calling for Clarke"s head and look at what he has done since.I"m not saying Cowan is in the same ball park as Clarke but let's have more patience. I think he has shown something and I believe he"ll get better.

[Crazy Sam]

Team for tomorrow's game:

George Bailey (captain) TAS
Xavier Doherty TAS
Aaron Finch VIC
Brad Haddin NSW
Phillip Hughes SA
David Hussey VIC
Mitchell Johnson WA
Usman Khawaja QLD
Glenn Maxwell VIC
Clint McKay VIC
Mitchell Starc NSW

[NUFAN]

Yep, that's the XI I expected when I saw the 13 named. Still not sure who will partner Finch at the top or the order though - probs Haddin, but I would try Khawaja or Hughes for sure.

[Spark]

Cricinfo is saying Hughes.

[NUFAN]

Good to hear Spark.

SL paying $2.62 represents very good value - they have a more all rounded bowling attack. Aus are paying $1.50

[Spark]

Haha that's nonsense. I'd almost be tempted to call SL favourites for this match, tbh. They've been excellent in LO cricket down here in the last few years.

[NUFAN]

Yeah same or very close to even. One of Finch or Hughes needs to make a decent score for Australia to post a competitive total IMO.

I like SL's middle to lower order, Mathews, Mendis, Perera and Kulasekera, they are all big hitters. SL really needs to target the 10 overs that will need to be bowled by Maxwell and Dussey

[Top_Cat]

Yeah what the hell? SL stone-cold favourites for this game, personally. Will be backing Malinga to take a bag against this top-order.

[Tangles]

Isnt that batting allrounder MJ playing? Game over SL tbh.

[Himannv]

Will be disappointed if we lose this. We're a much much better team in the shorter formats.

[Riggins]

when is the game?

[aussie tragic]

I'm officially boycotting this "Australia B-Team" and congratulate SL on an excellent start to the series

Australia v Sri Lanka, 1st ODI, LIA Melbourne : George Bailey bristles over 'B-team' talk | Cricket News | Australia v Sri Lanka | ESPN Cricinfo

EDIT: btw, I work only 800m from the MCG and yet I still won't be going without Warner, Watson, Clarke, Hussey and Wade....I did that at a T20i last year and it just didn't feel like Australia playing

Also, I've had a few wines so CA can go and get ...........

[BeeGee]

EDIT: btw, I work only 800m from the MCG and yet I still won't be going without Warner, Watson, Clarke, Hussey and Wade....I did that at a T20i last year and it just didn't feel like Australia playing

Sorry, I may have missed it, but what's the idea behind those first choice guys not being named in the squad? Is it resting or player development with an eye to the WC?