Stung by a mauling from New Zealand, Australia’s fast-bowling attack is aiming to keep their Twenty20 World Cup title defence alive by dismantling Sri Lanka on the most pace-friendly pitch in the country.
In the first of four must-win matches, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins will seek to exploit the pace and bounce of the Perth Stadium pitch on Tuesday night and unsettle a Sri Lankan side more used to slow, spin-friendly wickets.
Mitch Marsh batting against England in Perth earlier this month.Credit:Getty Images
“We’ll certainly have an aggressive approach,” Mitch Marsh said at the sun-drenched stadium on Monday. “We know that the big three bowlers, when they get going they’re very hard to stop, and I think certainly after the other night we’ll see a big response from them.”
Collectively the trio went for 46 runs from the first three overs of last Saturday night’s T20 World Cup opener at the SCG, as little-known Kiwi opener Finn Allen hammered 42 in just 16 balls. The initial onslaught blew Australia away and they never recovered, losing by 89 runs.
“We got jumped in the first four overs that’s for sure,” Marsh said. “Finn Allen played unbelievably well.”
“They’re three of the best fast bowlers that Australia’s ever had. Three of the best in the world. All the best players in the world bounce back from whatever setback they have, and that’s a pretty minor setback.
Josh Hazlewood currently ranked the leading T20 international bowler in the world.Credit:Getty Images
“I’m sure they’ll be fine. They love playing out here. It’s a fast and bouncy wicket, so hopefully, they’ll be fired up and ready to go.”
Hazlewood has improved his white-ball bowling to the point where he is now ranked as the leading T20 international bowler.
The attack will be further strengthened by Marsh being able to bowl in a match for the first time in almost two months after being sent home from a one-day series against Zimbabwe in Townsville with an ankle injury.
Mitchell Starc bowling against England in Canberra.Credit:Getty Images
“I love appearing as an all-rounder and making sure I’m in the game the whole time, I’m feeling great,” Marsh said. “And hopefully, I can contribute a few big scores at the top and maybe chip in with a few wickets.”
If Australia’s most recent match in Perth is any guide, the fast bowlers may not have things all their own way. In a T20 match a fortnight ago, Australia scored 200 chasing England’s 208.
It was the first international match in Perth for almost three years due to COVID-related travel restrictions.
Despite this absence of cricket, Marsh insists that Perth Stadium will give Australia a distinct home-ground advantage.
“It’s a great place to play cricket. It’s similar to the Gabba,” Marsh said. “I love the dimensions of the ground and we play very well here.”
Likely Australian team: Aaron Finch (c), David Warner, Mitch Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Tim David, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.
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