Moody not fazed by Lee fire
Sri Lanka are unfazed by the latest efforts of Brett Lee and will face Australia in Sunday's VB series match boosted by the return of opener Sanath Jayasuriya
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"Our guys have faced quick bowling before with Shoaib Akhtar and Shane Bond recently," said their coach Tom Moody. "Obviously he [Lee] bowled well last night but our guys played him reasonably well the other night."
Lee claimed 5 for 22 during Australia's 59-run win over South Africa in Melbourne, on Friday, which put them at the top of the table with 10 points from three matches. Sri Lanka are second with five points from two matches while South Africa are third with four points from three matches.
The Sri Lankans lost their opening match to Australia by an embarrassing 116 runs, with Lee taking 2 for 29, before recovering to beat South Africa by 94 runs in Brisbane. "Brett is in a bit of a purple patch at the moment. We've just got to deal with it - simple as that," Moody said. "He's a bowler at the top of his game."
Moody added that the return of Jayasuriya from a shoulder injury would boost Sri Lanka's batting while his left-arm spinners would also be useful. Jayasuriya, 36, was sent home after Sri Lanka's second match in New Zealand after aggravating the injury when he slipped in the showers.
He also dismissed reports that Muttiah Muralitharan was planning to rush home to be with his heavily pregnant wife. Muralitharan took 2 for 34 during Sri Lanka's win over South Africa and is likely to enjoy the spin-friendly pitch at the SCG.
Australia have few concerns ahead of the match as they continue to hit their straps, following the five-wicket defeat against South Africa in the second match. Brad Haddin continues behind the stumps with Adam Gilchrist resting, while Phil Jaques has the chance to build on his debut innings of 94 in Melbourne.
Australia (probable) Phil Jaques, Damien Martyn, Ricky Ponting (capt), Andrew Symonds, Michael Clarke, Michael Hussey, Brad Haddin (wk), James Hopes, Brett Lee, Nathan Bracken, Glenn McGrath. Supersub Brad Hogg
Sri Lanka (probable) Sanath Jayasuriya, Jehan Mubarak, Kumar Sangakkara (wk), Mahela Jayawardene, Marvan Atapattu (capt), Tillekeratne Dilshan, Russel Arnold, Chaminda Vaas, Ruchira Perera, Dilhara Fernando, Muttiah Muralitharan. Supersub Malinga Bandara
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