Australia v Sri Lanka World Cup Tips: Take on all-at-sea Aussies

• Aussies vulnerable

• Warner boosted to 3/14.00

• Zampa has 4/15.00 shot

Australia v Sri Lanka
Monday 16 October, 09:30
TV: Live on Sky Sports

Australia v Sri Lanka World Cup team news

Australia's lack of confidence was exposed when they dropped Alex Carey against South Africa. It was a very un-Australian call. They back their players ordinarily in the big moments. Cameron Green was also dropped but they have too many players not performing. Marcus Stoinis, whose form with the bat has been non-existent for yonks, bowled only two overs.

Possible XI: Warner, M Marsh, Smith, Labuschagne, Inglis, Maxwell, Stoinis, Cummins, Starc, Hazlewood, Zampa

Sri Lanka have lost skip Dasun Shanaka to injury. Is it a blow? His form has been dreadful and he made the absurd decision to insert South Africa. All-rounder Chamika Karunaratne comes in. Matheesha Pathiarana is injured and that's another blessing given wayward performances.

Possible XI: Nissanka, Perera, Mendis, Samarawickrama, Asalanka, Dhananjaya, Wellalage, Karunaratne, Theekshana, Rajitha, Madushanka

Australia v Sri Lanka World Cup pitch report

The Lucknow surface was a different one for South Africa and Australia respectively. South Africa scored relatively freely, Australia were blown away. The zip for bowlers in the second-innings suggests the toss is key. Sri Lanka may prefer hints of two-pace to bowl first in drier conditions. Australia are a reliable short at big numbers in-play on innings runs as they have faltered mid-innings.

Australia v Sri Lanka World Cup match odds

Australia are 1.3030/100 with Sri Lanka 4.30100/30. The price about the Aussies has got to go down as the worst so far. The tournament desperately needs a shock to inject some jeopardy and this might be it.

Spin could be key. Sri Lanka have the option of 30 overs at their disposal and they will reckon their tweakers will always keep them in the game. Australia have a habit of building solid platform only to trip and crash.

It could be that we get a bigger price on Sri Lanka in play. It's most unlikely that they dominate from ball one.

Australia v Sri Lanka World Cup player bets

David Warner is boosted to 10/34.33 and we'll play knowing that his win rate is far superior. He's also overdue. Adam Zampa has drifted to 4/15.00 and he should be in the mix for at least a tie given that he was returning at 50% before the tournament began.