The Sri Lankan Cricket selectors still reeling from a double whammy of losing the five-match ODI series and their charismatic captain through injury have resorted to their usual game of musical chairs in a desperate attempt to wring a face-saving win in the fifth and final ODI at Pallekele today.
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The 3-0 series defeat in Sri Lanka has Australia ready to toss out the rule book on selection in an effort to lift their poor record on the subcontinent.
Irrespective of the pitch, both teams are aware of the need to play quality and consistent cricket for 100 overs to win the match.
Leg-spinner Adam Zampa struck in the very next over to have Gunathilaka bowled round his legs for 39, after the batsman attempted a sweep while exposing his leg stump.
The squad for the tour of South Africa will be named following the final ODI against Sri Lanka.
“If they’re looking for someone who can play spin well in the subcontinent”. First ball is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. India Standard Time at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy, Sri Lanka, on Sunday, September 4. “It makes it easier for others”.
Starc will stay on in Sri Lanka for the last match of the one-day series and the two T20s that follow. James Faulkner and Starc have nine scalps apiece, while John Hastings sits behind them on eight. Starc had a long injury lay-off in the first half of 2016 as he recovered from ankle surgery, returning to action in June during the one-day tri-series in the West Indies.
Kusal Mendis reached 33 and shared 43 runs for the fourth wicket with Upul Tharanga before being caught behind off fast bowler Hastings.
The move comes after captain Steven Smith flew home during the ODI series in Sri Lanka to give him a break ahead of the South Africa tour and home summer.
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Kusal Perera reviewed an lbw decision but the television umpire upheld his dismissal despite television replays appearing to show an inside edge. Fonseka has been in the trade for over nine years as trainer of Ragama Cricket Club, Sri Lanka “A” and Sri Lanka Under-19s sides.
