ICC Champions Trophy 2013: Australia v Sri Lanka - Australia Preview

The fortunes of three teams will be at stake when Australia take on Sri Lanka in the final group match of the ICC Champions trophy at The Oval on Monday. While the Lankans need a win to go through to the semis, Australia will have to win by a big enough margin to gain the crucial 2 points, as well as wipe out a deficit of 1.737 on the net run-rate column in the points table to leapfrog New Zealand.

The only deterrent in this hugely-anticipated match up could be the adverse weather which might once again curtail the game, if not force a no-result.

Australia’s batting has largely underachieved in this tournament so far, and certain off-field activities have further led the plans astray. Michael Clarke insisted that his back is in a much better condition now; but with the Ashes coming up, he is unlikely to be named in the playing XI.

Pitch and Conditions

The pitch at The Oval, with its bounce, was quite favourable to the fast bowlers to begin with; but in the last game there, Sri Lanka comfortably chased down a target of nearly 300. Apart from the action on the ground, many eyes will also be trained on the clouds as there is a possibility of showers in the forecast.

Key Player

There have been many questions raised about George Bailey’s credibility as a batsman; but in this tournament, he has been the only Australian with any kind of form with the bat. His 55 in both the games he played were the backbone of the Aussie innings; but to beat Sri Lanka by a big margin, his team will need him to convert his start into a big score.

Possible XI

Shane Watson, Mathew Wade (wk), Phillip Hughes, George Bailey (c), Adam Voges, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, James Faulkner, Mitchell Johnson, Xavier Doherty, Clint McKay

Head to Head

Australia, quite predictably, has dominated the contest between the two sides – winning 55 of the 89 encounters. But in recent times, the balance has tilted a bit in the direction of the Sri Lankans, who have won 6 of the last 10 games against the Aussies.

Prediction

Though the conditions are more favourable to Australia, the Sri Lankans are playing a better brand of cricket at the moment, and should come out on top and progress to the semis.