Fifth ODI v. Sri Lanka today:

Aussies brimming with confidence

The buoyant Australians brimming with confidence after their 7 wicket win in the first ODI at Pallekelle against Sri Lanka, will move to Sooriyawewa, Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium near the Southern Port City of Hambantota for their second ODI (D/N) which begins today (Sunday).

Playing on the Hambanthota surface like the one in Pallkelle will be a novel experience for the Aussies and the Lankans too. The last occasion the home team played there was in a World Cup match against Canada last February where Sri Lanka scored over 300 runs and beat Canada in the opening match. The Hambantota pitch seems to be dry and harder one and with a stiff breeze coming across specially during the day time. It should make life easier for the cricketers. But in the evening, there is no breeze and winning the toss could be vital. Meanwhile the Australian captain Michael Clarke said that his team has set a standard to build on with the astonishing win over Sri Lanka in the first ODI. Clarke expected the Lankan spinners to hold the key. However, neither spin nor pace could rattle the Australian batting that was in pursuit of a meagre total of 191.

The Aussies reached the required target without much alarms for the loss of three wickets with 71 balls to spare. The Australians lost the two T-20 games badly under Cameron White. Mitchelle Johnson who was hit all over the park in the T20 competition proved to be the match winner in the first ODI. His 6 for 31 is his best ODI bowling figures and the fourth best by an Australian. The composition of both teams will be known only after their final practice session on Saturday after having a close look at the wicket.

Australia (from): Michael Clarke (Captain), Xavier Doherty, Doug Bollinger, Brad Haddin, John Hastings, David Hussy, Michael Hussy, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Shuan Marsh, James Pattinson, Ricky Ponting, Steve Smith, Shane Watson.

Sri Lanka (from): T. Dilshan (Captain), Angelo Mathews, Mahela Jayawardena, K. Sangakkara, Dinesh Chandimal, Jeevan Mendis, Thisara Perera, Upul Tharanga, Suranga Lakmal, Ajantha Mendis, Nuwan Kulasekera, Suraj Randiv, Rangana Herath, Chamara Silva, Shaminda, Eranga. (RA)