Aussies braced for 'brilliant' Malinga
Australia all-rounder Steve Smith on Wednesday hailed history-maker
Lasith Malinga as "brilliant" as the defending champions drew up plans
to counter the Sri Lankan slinger at the World Cup. Malinga's trademark
collection of yorkers and toe-crushers helped him to a career-best 6-38,
including a second World Cup hat-trick, as the home side routed Kenya by
nine wickets on Tuesday.
On Saturday, it'll be Australia's turn to face Malinga, who is now
fully recovered from the back strain which kept him out of the first two
matches at the tournament.
"Malinga was brilliant," said Smith. "The pitch (at R. Premadasa
Stadium) varied a bit and helped swing the ball. Sri Lanka are going to
be a good challenge for us."
Australia, who defeated Sri Lanka in the 2007 final, and are bidding
for a fourth successive World Cup, have looked impressive so far, seeing
off Zimbabwe by 91 runs and enjoying a seven-wicket win over New
Zealand. "For us, the big challenge is to play against Sri Lanka here.
They play really well in these conditions." Sri Lanka defeated Australia
away from home in November and 21-year-old leg-break bowler Smith is
hoping to slam the brakes on Kumar Sangakkara's free-scoring batsmen.
"When I come in, I expect Sri Lanka to come hard at me. I just have
to make sure I take wickets, keep the runs down and break partnerships,"
said Smith. COLOMBO, AFP |