COLOMBO: The return of Ricky Ponting following the birth of
his daughter and Ryan Harris’s hamstring injury have caused a selection
dilemma for Australia as they aim to heap more misery on hosts Sri Lanka
in the third and final test.
After winning the first
test at Galle by 125 runs, Australia looked poised to wrap up the series
with victory in Pallakele but were stopped in their tracks by rain and
bad light.
Michael Clarke’s men watched on in frustration as their
hard work amounted to nothing and now feel they have unfinished
business at the Singhalese Sports Club starting on Friday.
Pace
spearhead Harris had been in destructive form, claiming 11 wickets in
the series at an impressive average of 14.54, but will almost certainly
miss the final match after limping off injured in Pallakele. Scans
revealed he was suffering from a minor hamstring strain.
“There’s
always been concerns about Rhino’s fitness because unfortunately he’s
dealt with a few injuries throughout his career,” said Clarke.
“He’s
a very strong bloke and he’ll do anything to get on the park. He’s a
wonderful player to have in your team, not just the way he bowls, he’s
got plenty of talent with the bat.
“He’s as good as any fast
bowler in the world in the field. And he brings a lot to the team as a
guy. He’s one of those guys you want in your team. He’s having a big
impact in this series.”
Harris’s absence would be a serious blow
for Australia. Should he be ruled out either Peter Siddle, who has not
played in the series, or James Pattinson, who has impressed with his
pace and swing, are likely to replace him.
BATTING HEADACHE
The Australians also have a batting headache to sort out with the
return of former captain Ponting, who missed the second test to return
home for the birth of his second child.
His replacement, Shaun Marsh, made an instant mark by scoring a century on his test debut.
Hence Australian selectors now have to decide how to make the best use of the batting talent at their disposal.
While
Ponting has a proven track record, scoring 39 test tons over his
16-year career, he has recently been going through a lean spell and has
not scored a century in five-day cricket for 20 months.
Since
Marsh has flourished in the flat Sri Lankan conditions, leaving him out
does not seem like a sensible option so the axe is likely to fall on
opener Phil Hughes whose highest score in the series is 36.
Sri Lanka captain Tillakaratne Dilshan said that his team still had a chance of drawing the series if the weather stays fine.
Scattered
showers have fallen in Colombo over the past few days and weather
forecasts suggest there could be frequent interruptions to the test.
“We
didn’t bat well in the first innings and that’s why we’re behind in
this series,” said Dilshan referring to his team’s failure to score more
than 175 runs in the opening innings of each test.
“We told all
the players to believe in themselves and in their own game. If we were
in a negative frame of mind, with three failed innings, we’re not going
to do any better. We just have to give them the confidence,” Dilshan
added.
“It’s really disappointing that we cannot win the test
series but we still have a chance to draw it. As players, we must grab
that opportunity in both hands and if we can do that, it’s really good.”
The
test will also mark former captain Kumar Sangakkara’s 100th test
appearance. “It’s a great achievement. It’s not easy to play 100
matches, especially test cricket.
If we can win the test, I think that’s going to be a good gift for Sanga,” said Dilshan.
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