ZCZC
BSP-11
CRICKET-AUS-SRI-T20-TOSS
Australia win toss and bowl in third Sri Lanka T20
MELBOURNE, Nov 1, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Australia won the toss and chose to bowl
in the third and final Twenty20 against Sri Lanka in Melbourne as they look
to clean-sweep the series Friday.
The home team have been dominant in the opening two games, winning by 134
runs in Adelaide and by nine wickets with seven overs to spare in Brisbane,
completely outplaying the visitors.
They go into the final game with Glenn Maxwell missing after the power-
hitting batsman announced on Thursday he was taking a break from cricket to
deal with mental health issues.
Ben McDermott takes his place while Mitchell Starc returns after missing
the last game to attend his brother’s wedding, with Billy Stanlake dropped.
“It looks like a nice wicket and I don’t think it will change very much
later on,” said skipper Aaron Finch in explaining his decision to bowl.
Sri Lanka’s batting has been insipid so far — their top score in two
games is 27 — and they made four changes.
Out goes Danushka Gunathilaka, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Isuru
Udana, with Shehan Jayasuriya, Oshada Fernando, Bhanuka Rajapaksha and Lahiru
Kumara taking their places.
“We want to play good cricket in this last match and end on a good note,”
Sri Lanka skipper Lasith Malinga said.
Australia: Aaron Finch (capt), David Warner, Steve Smith, Ben McDermott,
Ashton Turner, Alex Carey, Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Kane
Richardson, Adam Zampa.
Sri Lanka: Kusal Mendis, Niroshan Dickwella, Kusal Perera, Avishka
Fernando, Shehan Jayasuriya, Oshada Fernando, Bhanuka Rajapaksha, Lakshan
Sandakan, Lasith Malinga (capt), Nuwan Pradeep, Lahiru Kumara Umpires: Gerard
Abood (AUS) and Paul Wilson (AUS) TV Umpire: Shawn Craig (AUS) Match Referee:
Javagal Srinath (IND)
BSS/AFP/RY/1420 hrs