TOPIC:

www.perthnow.com.au/sport/cricket/west-a...-sri-lanka-c-6618127
 

Just a shame it's only a two-Test series, 58shark.
Given most Tests produce a result because they're scheduled to go five days, a three-Test series is a no-brainer IMHO.
However, the reduced schedule is all about money and squeezing in a few T20 games.
 

Ticket sales are very good for the first Aussie match.But according to ABC 24 ,the first march+ tour could still be cancelled.
Sri Lanka is having it's worst finincial crisis.Since Indipendants from India over 70 years ago.Theres shortage of food,fuel, medical supply's,and plenty more.
Also the country is divided from the long civil war.That ended almost 30 years ago.The British sent to Tamals to Ceylon to start the tea crops,150 years ago..

The first test is only a week away and it is pretty clear from the white ball cricket played so far that the Sri Lankan wickets are going to be ultra conducive to spin, which is a 2 fold problem for the Australians. Firstly our batsmen in the one day series have been fairly clueless in how to play spin ( which is not a new problem to be fair). The other issue is the balance of our bowling attack. In Pakistan they used 2 pace bowlers, 2 spinners and Cam Green as the all rounder. Interestingly the pace bowlers had a greater impact than the spinners. Swepson was pretty ineffective but he may be needed if there are no other options. 
Also the injuries have hit hard with Travis Head, Steve Smith and Mitchell Starc in doubt. 

The Aussie A team has played the Sri Lanka A team over there in 2 four day games and won both of them. They chased down 370 yesterday. Some of the good performers in this series included Tanveer Sanga ( who could be another spin option if they don't go with Swepson), Henry Hunt, Jimmy Peirson, Aaron Hardie, Josh Phillipe and Scott Boland. There is also Jon Holland who has been included in the squad as well as Glen Maxwell who may play if Head is not fit. If Smith doesnt play, Cam Green could be moved up the order and Mitch Marsh slot in at number 6 

A possible XI

Warner
Khawaja
Labusagne
Smith
Head (or Maxwell)
Green
Carey
Cummins
Starc
Lyon
Swepson ( Holland/Sangha) other option

12th Man : Hazlewood/Boland

I cannot believe we are looking at Maxwell for the Test side again?
It is a bit of an indictment on our development of young batsmen over the last decade tbh!

Agree, if Head is unavailable it might be a chance to have a look at someone like Hunt who recently made a century in an A game over there.

Of course the Vics are piping up Maxwell should play as his off spin will be used as well haha.
His "off spin" (straight breaks)  wouldnt get me, Mike, Freeze or AR out let alone Sri Lankan batsmen on their own decks!

I read they're looking at another Vic Jon Holland as well - let's hope Agar gets well soon 

Evenly poised at the end of day 1. The bowlers did well to dismiss Sri Lanka for 212, then Warner and Khawaja gave Australia a rollicking start on a pitch that is already turning square. Then a dumb reverse sweep by Labuschagne and the even dumber run out of Smith has put the game back in the melting pot. Its up to Ussie, Travis Head and the rest of the batsmen to try and cobble together a decent first innings lead because they would not want to be chasing many more than 100 on that pitch on the 3rd or 4th day.

Yeah not too sure where all the love for Maxy is coming from.....hasn't played shield for over 3 years....as BH says, a sad indictment of young Aussie batting talent if Maxy is in the mix for a test spot.

Bugger to lose those last two wickets very cheaply.....whilst Smith had every reason to be miffed at getting out as he did, just hate all his immature histrionics at times. Could get lucky with Head throwing his bat for a quick 50.....doesn't look fit and doesn't have a clue against spin.....Uzzie needs to bat deep and hopefully Green can go with him.....will need a lead of 75 at least.....chasing 150 is going to be tough I reckon. ....