ESPNCricinfo: Two matches in, Sri Lanka are already faced with having to save the five-ODI series, and have yet to crack 200. Instead of being concerned by the lack of runs from his top order, Coach Graham Ford has been encouraged by glimpses of good batting from the younger players. Ford is Coach until at least 2019, and has clearly set his sights on the long term. If Sri Lanka are to avoid a series defeat in Johannesburg, however, there will have to be at least some immediate improvement. In addition to the crumble-prone batting, lack of penetration through the middle and back end of the opposition innings - problems that have plagued Sri Lanka since as far back as the 2015 World Cup - may have to be righted.

South Africa’s top order is a powerhouse, in contrast. Four of the top five have hundreds on this tour, the only exception being AB de Villiers with whom a century never seems far. On Wednesday, the bowling only had to be disciplined rather than destructive, with such a formidable score to defend, but thanks to some breathtaking catching, Sri Lanka failed to be competitive beyond the first ten overs of the chase.

In short, South Africa have out-batted, out-bowled, out-fielded and out-bum-patted their visitors, and are primed to continue doing so. Sri Lanka’s best hopes may lay, as ever, in the wrists and fingers of their spinners.

The teams encountered a green Wanderers track in the Tests, and a tawny one in the T20s, but pink will be the dominant colour at Saturday’s ODI, as the South Africa team and the venue deck themselves out in support of breast cancer awareness. For what it’s worth, South Africa have never lost in pink - de Villiers memorably hitting the fastest century ever, in the pink ODI two years ago. Why they have not deployed this kit in World Cup knockout matches is a question that demands answers.

For a long time Sri Lanka’s fandom has been unsure what to make of Upul Tharanga - clearly one of the most gifted batsmen in the country, but one susceptible to long stretches of modest returns. Now the selectors and team management (which includes himself, as he is captain), seem unsure what to do with him as well. Should he bat in the lower-middle order, where he has had some success in recent years, or at the top: the scene of his famed 13 centuries? On Wednesday he produced a heart-swelling, glorious 26, which detractors will say is the quintessential Tharanga innings. Sri Lanka will look to him for leadership with the bat, as well as on the field.

Voges to lead PM XI against Sri Lanka

AFP: Test batsman Adam Voges will lead the Prime Minister’s XI in a Twenty20 game against Sri Lanka in Canberra later this month, Cricket Australia said Friday.

Voges is one of five players chosen with international experience along with George Bailey, Joe Burns, James Pattinson and Daniel Worrall.

“It’s really pleasing to have a good blend of established players with international experience and some of the country’s brightest young talent representing the Prime Minister’s XI for this year’s match against Sri Lanka,” National Talent Manager Greg Chappell said.

“Adam Voges as captain will provide a wealth of experience, having played 20 Test matches and captained the Perth Scorchers to the recent Big Bash League title, as will George Bailey and Joe Burns, who have represented Australia in international cricket this season.

“James Pattinson is working his way back from injury and he’s a player of significant interest to the selection panel.

“Daniel Worrall is also coming back from injury and this is a chance for him to step up his preparation for the back-end of the season.”

Will Pucovski, who has recently made his Sheffield Shield debut for Victoria, is one of three teenagers named in the XI, alongside batsman Jason Sangha and spinner Arjun Nair.

The PM XI will be coached by former Test captain Michael Clarke for the match at Manuka Oval on February 15.

Prime Minister’s XI - Adam Voges (capt), George Bailey, Joe Burns, Alex Carey, Arjun Nair, James Pattinson, Will Pucovski, Jason Sangha, D’Arcy Short, Henry Thornton, Daniel Worrall. Matthew Gilkes (12th man)

Clarke gets first coaching job for Prime Minister’s XI

SYDNEY (Reuters): Former Australia captain Michael Clarke will get his first taste of coaching at the elite level against Sri Lanka later this month after being put in charge of the Prime Minister’s XI for a Twenty20 match in Canberra.

Clarke retired at the end of the 2015 Ashes series in England after playing 115 tests and has since confined his involvement in the game to the commentary booth and a couple of club matches.

The 35-year-old said he was “thrilled” to mentor a side captained by Adam Voges and including Australia ODI stalwart George Bailey and returning test pace bowler James Pattinson.

“The squad has a really good mix of experienced players and some exciting young talent,” Clarke said.

“I think we’ll be really competitive against Sri Lanka, and I know we can play an exciting brand of cricket in front of what will hopefully be a big crowd in Canberra.”

Cricket Australia have drafted in Clarke’s predecessor as captain, Ricky Ponting, former test batsman Justin Langer and former pace bowler Jason Gillespie to lead the home side in the three-match Twenty20 series against Sri Lanka.

The final match of the series will conclude in Adelaide on Feb. 22, only a dozen or so hours before Australia begin their four-test series against India in Pune.