SL to face Aus in dead rubber

Monday, 22 August 2011 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

With thunderstorms predicted in Colombo on Monday, Sri Lanka will take on Australia in the last one day international of the five-match series at the R Premadasa Stadium.

Australia have already clinched the series by winning the fourth ODI at the same venue on Saturday. They skittled Sri Lanka for a meager 132 and then chased down the required target with the loss of five wickets.

The quality of pace attack has been the difference between the two sides so far, with Mitchell Johnson, Doug Bollinger and Brett Lee all among the wickets.

Johnson has led the pack with 10 wickets in four matches, while Bollinger and Lee have captured nine and eight wickets respectively in equal number of outings.

The visitors’ batting mainstays - Michael Clarke, Ricky Ponting and Michael Hussey - all have contributed at different time in the series, while Shane Watson also looked to getting his rhythm back.

On the other hand, the performance of Sri Lanka has been disappointing so far, with both their batsmen and bowlers failed equally.

Though opener Upul Tharanga, experienced Kumar Sangakkara and skipper Tillakaratne Dilshan all have scored runs, but none of them was consistent enough to change the result in his team’s favour.

Lasith Malinga, as expected, is the leading wicket taker with eight wickets in three games, including a five-for in the third ODI.

The result will be a morale booster to either side as they are going to lock horns in the Test series following.

Their first of the three Tests will begin at Galle from August 31.