Australia vs Sri Lanka, 2019: 3rd T20I – Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips – Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Update

Match Details:

The 3rd T20I of the three-match series between Australia and Sri Lanka will be played at The Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne.

The match starts at 7:10 PM local time (1:40 PM IST) (8:10 AM GMT). It will be live on Sony Six and Sony Six HD. Live streaming will be available on Sony LIV.

Preview

After the loss in the second T20I against Australia, Lasith Malinga clearly didn’t hold his emotions back. He was dejected with the batting, to say the least. On this tour, the Sri Lanka batters have hardly taken any responsibility and play sensible cricket. Its high time with the T20 World Cup next year nearing and this kind of performance was the least expected from the visitors. On Friday, Sri Lanka is possibly staring at a whitewash as Australia will look to come down hard at them.

The Kangaroos have played some top-notch cricket in this series. David Warner has steered them through with two back-to-back wins with some excellent batting. Australia will want to continue with the good work and register yet another victory. But the fact that they haven’t really been tested so far isn’t something that would be pleasing. Nevertheless, the Aaron Finch-Justin Langer combo is doing a great job and they wouldn’t mind a walk in the park.

Weather Report

It will be a cloudy day on Friday and there are no chances of precipitation. The humidity levels are low enough and there will be a strong wind blowing around in the evening in Melbourne. The new ball might move around a bit due to the weather conditions.

Pitch Condition/Report:

Its nearly been a year since a T20I game was played in Melbourne. The last time when Australia played India here at this venue, there wasn’t any result due to rain. The pitch seemed slightly tricky back then in whatever play was possible in the first innings.

Average first innings score: 163 (Last three completed T20Is at this venue)

Record of chasing teams: Won – 2, Lost – 1, Tied – 0

Injury and Availability News:

Glenn Maxwell has taken an indefinite break from the game. D’Arcy Short has replaced him in the squad.

It is unknown if Mitchell Starc will be available for this match.

Probable Playing XIs:

Australia

David Warner, Aaron Finch (C), Steve Smith, Ben McDermott, Ashton Turner, Alex Carey (WK), Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Adam Zampa, Kane Richardson, Billy Stanlake.

Bench – Sean Abbott, D’Arcy Short

Sri Lanka

Avishka Fernando, Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis, Niroshan Dickwella, Kusal Perera (WK), Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga/Shehan Jayasuriya, Isuru Udana, Lasith Malinga, Nuwan Pradeep, Lakshan Sandakan

Bench – Kasun Rajitha, Oshada Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Wanindu Hasaranga/Shehan Jayasuriya, Bhanuka Rajapaksa.

Top Picks:

There aren’t many top picks for your Dream11 Fantasy team from the Sri Lanka team. However, Australia’s David Warner has been performing brilliantly and must be there in both your teams. Amongst others, Steve Smith and Aaron Finch are the top picks for your Dream11 Fantasy side.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Captain Options – David Warner, Aaron Finch, Pat Cummins

Vice-Captain Options – Steve Smith, Dasun Shanaka, Kusal Perera

Suggested Playing XI No.1 for Fantasy Cricket:

Keeper – Kusal Perera

Batters – David Warner (C), Aaron Finch, Danushka Gunathilaka, Steve Smith (VC)

All-Rounders – Ashton Agar, Dasun Shanaka

Bowlers – Pat Cummins, Adam Zampa, Lakshan Sandakan, Billy Stanlake

Suggested Playing XI No.2 for Fantasy Cricket:

Keeper – Alex Carey

Batters – David Warner, Steve Smith, Aaron Finch (C), Ben McDermott, Avishka Fernando

All-Rounders – Ashton Agar

Bowlers – Pat Cummins (VC), Lasith Malinga, Isuru Udana, Nuwan Pradeep

Expert Advice:

You can be slightly inclined towards Australia while picking your Dream11 Fantasy team. Ashton Agar, at just 8 credits, is worth a pick and allows you to go for some of the players who take more credits. Picking the keeper could be slightly a tricky one and thus you can have one each (Sri Lanka and Australia) for both your teams.

Probable Winners:

Australia is predicted to win this match and make it a clean sweep.

*Disclaimer: This team is based on the understanding, analysis and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.