Australia v Sri Lanka First Final Betting Preview
Australia v Sri Lanka: First Final, Sunday 4/3 – 1.20pm (Local Time) at Gabba, Brisbane
Australia and Sri Lanka will battle it out in the first final at the Gabba today.
Both sides played out a thriller when they met at the MCG on Friday with the Sri Lankans recording a narrow nine-run victory.
Sri Lanka has won their past three clashes with the Australians in the series and will be hoping to continue that run of form when it matters most.
Australia will welcome back skipper Michael Clarke for the finals series and will be hoping to turn the tables on the Sri Lankans.
KEY PLAYERS:
Australia will be boosted by the return of Michael Clarke and he will be very keen to make his mark with the bat.
It appears Clarke will replace the unlucky Peter Forrest but having the Australian captain back for this clash will strengthen the Australian batting line-up.
Clarke has a habit of delivering in the big matches and expect him to do the same at the Gabba today.
Sri Lanka will want a repeat performance from quick bowler Lasith Malinga.
The Sri Lankan quickie took four wickets against Australia on Friday and will need to tear through the Australian top order again in this contest.
The Gabba pitch is expected to be quick and have plenty of bounce which is likely to favour Malinga.
PITCH AND CONDITIONS:
The forecast for Brisbane today is showers with a top of 29 degrees. There has been rain about the past few days so fingers crossed the disruptions are minimal throughout the day.
It has been reported that the Gabba wicket will be quick and offer plenty of bounce for the fast bowlers. Australia’s fast bowlers Brett Lee and James Pattinson will be licking their lips at the prospect while Malinga will be equally as happy.
TEAMS:
Australia will welcome back skipper Michael Clarke at the expense of the unlucky Peter Forrest it would appear. Brett Lee was named 12th man on Friday but expect him to return to the side in favour of Clint McKay.
Here is how the Australians are likely to line-up:
- David Warner
- Matthew Wade
- Shane Watson
- Michael Clarke
- Michael Hussey
- David Hussey
- Daniel Christian
- Brett Lee
- James Pattinson
- Xavier Doherty
- Ben Hilfenhaus
Sri Lanka is likely to make two changes to their side for this match. Thisara Perera will miss the clash with a back injury but will welcome back Farveez Maharoof who has recovered from a similar injury.
Chamara Kapugedera has been flown in to strengthen the side and Sachithra Senanayake is expected to miss out as a result.
Here is how the Sri Lankans are likely to line-up:
- Mahela Jayawardene
- Tillakaratne Dilshan
- Kumar Sangakkara
- Dinesh Chandimal
- Lahiru Thirimanne
- Chamara Kapugedera
- Angelo Mathews
- Farveez Maharoof
- Nuwan Kulasekara
- Lasith Malinga
- Rangana Herath
WHO WINS?
Sri Lanka has the wood over Australia as of late with three consecutive victories.
The strength of Sri Lanka’s tri-series campaign has been the strength of their batting and will want that to continue at the Gabba today.
They will face Lee, Pattinson and Hilfenhaus on a bouncy wicket so will need to bring their A-game.
Australia is a big match side and will fancy their chances of going one up in the series.
Australian skipper Clarke strengthens the batting and the quick bowling options for the Australians will give them an advantage over the Sri Lankans.
Australia to win the first match of the finals series on the back of their bowling attack but the Sri Lankans can never be underestimated.
BEST HEAD-TO-HEAD BET:
Australia to win ($1.55)
AUSTRALIA HIGH BAT:
Michael Clarke ($5.00)
SRI LANKA HIGH BAT:
Dinesh Chandimal ($5.00)
AUSTRALIA MOST WICKETS:
James Pattinson ($4.50)
SRI LANKA MOST WICKETS:
Lasith Malinga ($3.00)
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