Sri Lanka Keen to Continue Golden Run at MCG

Melbourne: Sri Lanka's captaincy heir apparent Angelo Mathews is relishing the chance to help extend his side's one-day international hot streak against Australia in Melbourne.

The Sri Lankans head into Friday's one-day series opener determined to atone for their 3-0 Test series whitewash and confident they have the talent to do so in the 50-over format, reports The Age.

Mathews featured heavily in the most memorable of those, in November 2010, when Sri Lanka were seemingly down and out at 8-107 chasing a target of 240.

In front of a pro-Sri Lankan crowd, Mathews combined with Lasith Malinga for a record 132-run ninth-wicket stand to spearhead an incredible comeback win, helping launch his own career in the process.

Again expecting strong support, Mathews says the tourists feel at home in Melbourne.

But while they are strengthened by the inclusion of short-form speedster Malinga and face a very inexperienced Australian squad, Mathews says those involved in the Test series need to lift if they are to triumph.

On otherhand, Australia will field debutants in their top three batting spots in Friday's one-day international series opener.

Captain George Bailey said on Thursday that Aaron Finch and Phil Hughes will open the batting, with left-hander Usman Khawaja coming in at number three.

Bailey will bat at number four in an inexperienced line-up that also includes four-game allrounder Glenn Maxwell.

David Hussey and Brad Haddin add some experience to the middle order.

The selectors resisted naming a fourth debutant, leaving quick Ben Cutting out of the bowling attack.

That leaves Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc and Clint McKay to fill the pace spots with Xavier Doherty the specialist spinner, supported by Maxwell and Hussey.

Teams

Australia George Bailey (captain), Aaron Finch, Phil Hughes, Usman Khawaja, David Hussey, Glenn Maxwell, Brad Haddin (wk), Clint McKay, Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc, Xavier Doherty, Steve Smith (12th man).

Sri Lanka (from): Mahela Jayawardene (captain), Angelo Mathews (vice-capt), Dinesh Chandimal (wk), Akila Dananjaya, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Shaminda Eranga, Rangana Herath, Nuwan Kulasekara, Suranga Lakmal, Lasith Malinga, Ajantha Mendis, Jeevan Mendis, Kushal Janith Perera, Thisara Perera, Upul Tharanga, Lahiru Thirimanne

Stats & trivia

• Sri Lanka beat Australia four times in seven meetings last summer and won their previous one-day series in Australia 2-1 two years earlier.
• Sri Lankan MCG record is particularly good, with one-day wins in their past three visits to Melbourne.

Match facts
Friday January 11, 2013 (day/night)
Start time 14:20 local (03:20 GMT)