Australia vs Sri Lanka, 2nd Test: Dream11 Prediction, Playing XI Updates and Fantasy Cricket Tips- February 01-05, 2019
After an impressive win at the Gabba, Australia now head to Canberra where they take on Sri Lanka in the second and final Test match of the series, aiming to end a disappointing summer on a high. With the introduction of new blood in the form of Jhye Richardson and Kurtis Patterson, Australia were able to comprehensively beat the tourists, who will be without Lahiru Kumara due to injury to further deepen their worries.
With a pitch seemingly favouring the pacers, the Sri Lankans could be in for another tough few days against the likes of Cummins and Starc.
Squads to choose from
Australia
Tim Paine (c/wk), Joe Burns, Pat Cummins, Marcus Harris, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Kurtis Patterson, Will Pucovski, Jhye Richardson, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Starc and Marcus Stoinis
Sri Lanka
Dinesh Chandimal (c), Dimuth Karunaratne (vc), Dushmantha Chameera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Lahiru Kumara, Suranga Lakmal, Kusal Mendis, Dilruwan Perera, Kusal Perera, Kasun Rajitha, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Lakshan Sandakan, Roshen Silva, Lahiru Thirimanne, V. Fernando and Chamika Karunaratne
Playing XI Updates
Australia
Australia should ideally field the same side that played the first Test with Marnus Labuschagne slotting at number four. Joe Burns has been given the nod alongside Marcus Harris with Matt Renshaw exempted from the squad to play for the Brisbane Heat. Marcus Stoinis has been added to the side instead and could a possibly play instead of Patterson to provide the extra bowling option.
Possible XI: Harris, Burns, Khawaja, Labuschagne, Head, Patterson/Stoinis, Paine(C&WK), Cummins, Jhye, Starc and Lyon.
Sri Lanka:
With both Kumara and Chameera nursing injuries, Sri Lanka will have to play Kasun Rajitha and Vishwa Fernando alongside Suranga Lakmal in Canberra. Their batting order did not stand up against the Aussie quarter of Lyon, Cummins, Jhye and Starc. Much is expected from the likes of Chandimal, Karunaratne and Mendis, who have the potential to succeed against aforementioned bowlers.
Possible XI: Karunaratne, Thirimanne, Chandimal(C), Mendis, Dhananjaya, Roshen Silva, Dickwella(WK), Dilruwan, Lakmal, Rajitha and Fernando.
Fantasy Tips and Suggestions
Wicket-keeper: Either of Dickwella or Paine would be handy picks with the Sri Lankan being one of the few bright spots for his team in the first Test. With the certainty of Sri Lanka batting twice, Dickwella would be the more ideal option.
Batsmen: Usman Khawaja, Marcus Harris and Travis Head are in good touch. They didn't hit the three-figure mark in the first game and this could be the match for either of the three. Dimuth Karunaratne has been Sri Lanka's best batsman overseas with hundreds in New Zealand and South Africa to show for. Alongside Kusal Mendis, he could be a handy option to have.
All-rounders: Dilruwan Perera is sure to play a major part if the Australians are to be upstaged. Pat Cummins is in imperious form and is a must-have in the side with a ten-wicket haul in the previous game. Dhananjaya De Silva is also a viable option to have in your fantasy teams.
Bowlers: With the possibility of another innings defeat on the card for Sri Lanka, it is highly unadvisable to go for more than one bowler in the Sri Lankan side. Lyon, Starc and Jhye could all be picked together with the possibility of Suranga Lakmal or Kasun Rajitha slotting in.
Captain: Usman Khawaja is the best Test batsmen in the Australian side as of now and is due for a big one. He should be the ideal choice, though the likes of Marcus Harris and Mitchell Starc could also have a big say in it.
Fantasy Suggestion #1: Niroshan Dickwella (WK), Usman Khawaja, Marcus Harris, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis, Dilruwan Perera, Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon, Jhye Richardson and Vishwa Fernando. Captain: Usman Khawaja.
Fantasy Suggestion #2: Tim Paine(WK), Usman Khawaja, Dimuth Karunaratne, Travis Head, Marcus Harris, Dilruwan Perera, Dhananjaya De Silva, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Jhye Richardson and Suranga Lakmal. Captain: Mitchell Starc