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Sydney: The stakes could not be higher for both sides ahead of Friday's second ODI in Sydney following Sri Lanka's dramatic victory over Australia in Game 1 at Melbourne.
Another win will see the visitors clinch their first ever series win on Australian soil in the limited overs format, while the hosts will be desperate to stem the tide having lost their past six matches in all three forms of the game dating back to the second Test against Pakistan in July.
Australia's worrying recent habit of letting opponents back into the contest resurfaced in Melbourne as Sri Lanka somehow fought back from a precarious 107 for eight to surpass the winning target of 240 runs with more than five overs to spare.
Rising all-rounder Angelo Mathews unbeaten 77 and pace bowler Lasith Malinga (56) were the heroes with the bat, putting on a record 132-run ninth-wicket stand to snatch the unlikeliest of victories.
There was also much to like about the Sri Lankan attack, with paceman Thisara Perera (5-46) claiming his second ODI five-wicket haul, while emerging off-spinner Suraj Randiv (1-35) produced another strong display after also impressing in his side's Twenty20 victory in Perth on Sunday.
It wasn't all bad news for the home side, with left-arm spinner Xavier Doherty (4-46) enjoying a dream debut.
Mike Hussey's defiant innings of (71 not out) was the other bright spot, with the veteran steering his side out of trouble in a promising sign ahead of the upcoming Ashes series.
While the tourists appear likely to take an unchanged line-up into the clash, Australia will be boosted by the return of Ricky Ponting who missed the series opener to attend his grandmother's funeral in Tasmania.
The match marks Ponting's return to action after the 2-0 Test series loss to India, with Shaun Marsh the man to make way after his was ruled out for the remainder of the series with a back injury.
Leg-spinning all-rounder Steven Smith, who was limited to three overs in Melbourne, could also miss after tweaking his back in the field on Wednesday with Callum Ferguson a chance to return to the side after being called up to replace Marsh.
Doherty's emergence in Melbourne has also created a selection headache, with Ponting previously suggesting Nathan Hauritz would be recalled for the Sydney fixture.
Pace spearhead Mitchell Johnson (1-68 off 10 overs) who was wayward at times at the MCG, and Peter Siddle (1-51 off eight), are likely to be retained but will both be looking for improved performances on Friday.
Meanwhile, the persistent showers that have peppered Sydney in recent days are expected to make way for sunny skies and a top temperature of 22 degrees for the pivotal encounter.
Team from
Australia: Ricky Ponting (capt), Shane Watson, Michael Clarke, Callum Ferguson, Cameron White, Brad Haddin (wk), John Hastings, Nathan Hauritz, Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Clint McKay, Peter Siddle, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Xavier Doherty.
Sri Lanka: Kumar Sangakkara (capt & wk), Upul Tharanga, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Mahela Jayawardene, Angelo Mathews, Chamara Kapugedera, Lasith Malinga, Dinesh Chandimal, Jeevan Mendis, Thisara Perera, Chamara Silva, Suraj Randiv, Nuwan Kulasekara, Muttiah Muralitharan, Dammika Prasad, Dilhara Fernando.
Pitch and conditions
The SCG usually offers some spin, and both teams have good slow-bowling options in their line-ups. The forecast for Friday is for isolated showers and a top temperature of 18C.
Stats and trivia
Match facts
Friday, November 5, 2010 (day/night)
Start time 14:20 local (03:20 GMT)
