Buoyant batsman Dilshan Tillakaratne says Sri Lanka will cash-in on their breakthrough win against second string Australia to set-up a shock series triumph on Friday in Brisbane.
Sri Lanka will also use the impetus from an eight-wicket thrashing of Australia in Adelaide to atone for a 2-1 tri-series finals loss here last March.
The visitors are conscious of a poor record in the finals of one-day, Twenty20 World Cups and triangular series finals – now set on excelling in a big game environment at the Gabba.
“We have played good cricket, unfortunately we have lost finals not just here but in World Cups. That is an area we should improve, finish strongly in big matches,” said 85-Test veteran Dilshan with matches in Brisbane, Sydney and Hobart to follow.
“We have the momentum now and should finish the series strongly, on a high note.
“It is a crucial match for both teams, if we win in Brisbane we are a chance to win the series.”
Angry Australian coach Mickey Arthur launched an extraordinary attack on critics of the national rotation policy following an embarrassing loss missing jettisoned Mike Hussey, resting skipper Michael Clarke, opener David Warner, keeper Matthew Wade, left-armers Mitchell Johnson (side) and Mitchell Starc (calf).
Top-order batsman Usman Khawaja was overlooked to give Steve Smith (8) a run in a move that left Australia top heavy with allrounders. Only Clint McKay, Xavier Doherty and David Hussey remained from the Australian unit that toppled Sri Lanka last March.
Arthur branded rotation critics ‘naive and stubborn’ while Dilshan played a straight bat to claims Sri Lanka had been underestimated in Adelaide where it has won three of its past four games against Australia.
“They are thinking they try to give youngsters opportunities this series. We played all three departments really well,” said Dilshan who made 51 in a 137-run stand with undefeated Lahiru Thirimanne (102) on Sunday to back his 106 against Australia in Adelaide last March.
“We won easily but now we have a new wicket, have to start from the first ball in Brisbane.”
Sunday night’s victory revived a touring unit hammered 3-0 in the Test series by Michael Clarke’s men and by 107 runs in the one-day series opener in Melbourne.
A spicy Brisbane strip and return of Clarke, Warner and Wade hold no fears says Dilshan despite winning just two of 13 games in Brisbane and none in four attempts against Australia.
Johnson will also relish the added bounce on return from a minor side strain to break more bones having already sidelined premier Sri Lanka batsman Kumar Sangakkara and keeper Prasanna Jayawardene.
“It won’t be easy for us with the three back in the side but I still think we have a good chance to win the series,” 36-year-old Dilshan said.
“I am looking forward to taking that challenge where the ball is bouncing and coming on to the bat.”
