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AUS vs SL (Source: Twitter)
With an aim to open their account in the 2023 ODI World Cup, Australia and Sri Lanka will be up against each other in Lucknow on Monday (October 16). Both have lost their first two matches and will be eager to pick up the crucial 2 points with a solid performance at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium.
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Five-time champions Australia, currently bottom of the points table, suffered humiliating defeats to India and South Africa. On the other hand, Sri Lanka fought hard in both matches but their bowling unit is a concern for them. Meanwhile, the Lions suffered a setback ahead of the crucial match as captain Dasun Shanaka was ruled out of the tournament with a right thigh muscle injury.
With an exciting encounter awaiting cricket fans in Lucknow, let's take a look at the best combined Playing XI of Australia and Sri Lanka
Top-order: David Warner, Kusal Mendis (C), Steve Smith
A left-hand right-hand opening combination of David Warner and Kusal Mendis will provide a cracking start for the team in the powerplay. Both in good form can lay a good foundation with a huge partnership. Warner got out cheaply against South Africa, but his 41 was crucial in guiding Australia to 199 against India in their first match. Mendis, on the other hand, has been in scintillating form. The right-hander scored 76 runs against the Proteas and a blistering century (122) against Pakistan in the following match.
With Dasun Shanaka out of the tournament, Mendis may become the captain of the Sri Lankan team. He will also lead this team. At No. 3, ace Australian cricketer Steve Smith is the best option. He did not perform well in the first two matches, but a match-winner like him is essential for any team.
Middle-order - Sadeera Samarawickrama (WK), Charitha Asalanka
The middle order will be a combination of two Sri Lankan batters who have been performing well in recent times. Sadeera Samarawickrama, the wicketkeeper, recently smashed a century against Pakistan to help his team post a massive total. Meanwhile, Asalanka was dismissed cheaply in their last match but played a fighting knock while chasing South Africa's record total.
All-rounders - Glenn Maxwell, Dunith Wellalage
Australia's Glenn Maxwell and Sri Lanka's Dunit Wellalege are out all-rounders. Notably, neither has had a great outing with both bat and the ball so far in the tournament. Talking about Maxwell, he managed to score 15 against India and just 3 against South Africa. While he went wicketless against the Men in Blue, against the Proteas, he took two wickets. The stats are much worse for Wellalage as he could pick just one wicket and score 10 runs in both matches. However, he proved his mettle in the Asia Cup 2023 by taking the wickets of some big fish.
Bowlers - Mitchell Starc, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Josh Hazlewood
The big match player of Australia, Mithcell Starc, will lead the pace attack comprising Matheesha Pathirana and Josh Hazlewood. Hazlewood's bounce, accuracy in line and length, combined with Starc's sheer pace and swing, would trouble any world-class batting unit. Sri Lanka's Maheesh Theekshana is the only spinner in the team but he will get assistance from Maxwell and Wellalage.