Cricket: Sri Lanka vs Australia
3 Match T20 International Series
betxchange.com odds:
Series Winner:
The return of top level international cricket to Sri Lanka will provide a welcome respite for millions of people in Sri Lanka, as Australia are the visitors in a three match T20 series.
In a country besieged by civil unrest, there have been a few question marks over Australia’s decision to tour at this juncture but both sides will be sure to let their cricket do the talking.
Sri Lanka are very much a transitioning cricketing nation, with young players still looking to find their feet at international level.
Australia meanwhile are the reigning T20 World Champions, and they will be the hot favourites to go all the way in this three match series in the Sri Lankan sunshine.
Team Previews
Sri Lanka
Despite having a couple of decent results to dine off in the last couple of seasons, it has broadly been a barren spell for Sri Lanka, across all three formats. It is perhaps in the T20 arena they are most capable though and led by Dasun Shanaka, there is a sense that the culture in and around the Sri Lankan dressing room is changing for the good. Kushal Mendis and Niroshan Dickwella are just two of the exciting batters Sri Lanka have at their disposal, with plenty of players capable of taking the game to the Aussies. In the bowling department, Dushmantha Chameera will be tasked with providing the express pace required to unsettle the visitors.
Australia
Having the tag of being the reigning T20 World Champions is often a weight for some countries but that is not the case for Australia. They will be out to show the world they are the best side on the planet and in the shortest format of the game, few could argue with them. Aaron Finch and Steve Smith will be lined up for the lion’s share of the run scoring, whilst David Warner and Glenn Maxwell will need to contribute too. Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood head up an exciting and experienced pace attack, which should cause the Sri Lankans plenty of problems.
Series Betting Tips
Top Run Scorer in Series – Aaron Finch – 4/1
Australian captain Aaron Finch has been a little run starved in recent times and he will be out to show the world that he is still one of the best T20 players on the planet.
Top Bowler in the Series: Mitchell Starc – 7/2
Whilst spin often prevails in Sri Lanka, Mitchell Starc’s express pace gives him an X factor and he is an expert when it comes to T20 cricket.
Australia to win the series – 1/5
Sri Lanka will be out to put on a show in front of their home fans, especially with plenty going on off the field but Australia should be too good when it matters here.
Best Bet
Australia to win the series 2-1 – 21/10
T20 internationals are always hotly contested at the top end of the game and the prospect of two hugely talented sides facing off is always appealing. Playing at home will give Sri Lanka a potential edge, particularly if the turning ball comes into play and in the shortest format of the game, anything can happen. However, Australia are an experienced side, and they should ultimately prevail in this fascinating three match series.
