Sri Lankans leave Australians with plenty to ponder

In sport, you never know which are the opportunities which are the precursor to bigger and greater things.

For Michael Vaughan, it was the second Test in Adelaide. Justin Langer caught him when he was on 19 but it was referred to the third umpire who gave the batsman the benefit of the doubt.

Vaughan went on to make 177. Who knows how the rest of his series would have fared had Langer's appeal be upheld? Three centuries? Who would know? Man of the series? Unlikely.

For Sri Lanka, their opportunity was being sent in by Australia. They have capitalised on it and have responded by making 5/343 against a sub-strength Australian line-up.

But the bigger picture is what this innings means in terms of Australia. Brad Hogg is no Shane Warne. Brett Lee and Andy Bichel do not pose the same new ball threat as Glenn McGrath or Jason Gillespie.

In the already bowler short World Cup Australian squad, if one of the bowlers goes down, Australia is already in trouble. They have a long batting line-up but do they always want to be chasing scores of 300-plus?

Watson going for 72 from his full quota and Hogg being carted for 72 from nine is simply not acceptable if Australia wishes to do well at the upcoming World Cup.

Twenty-nine in wides and no-balls does not aid their cause either.

Will the Australian selectors be regretting their composition of the final 15? The first XI are a great side but are the back-ups adequate replacements?