Australia captain Michael Clarke won the toss and sent Sri Lanka into bat on the opening day of the third and final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Thursday.

 

Clarke said he wanted to make first use of what he believed was a seam-friendly SCG pitch with a full complement of four pace bowlers.

 

The injury-hit Sri Lankans, who have already lost the series after heavy defeats in Hobart and Melbourne, made four enforced changes.

 

Dinesh Chandimal and Lahiru Thirimanne came in for injured pair Kumar Sangakkara and wicketkeeper Prasanna Jayawardene. Suranga Lakmal and Nuwan Pradeep were named in the bowling attack for injured pacemen Chanaka Welegedara and Shaminda Eranga.

 

Before the start of play both teams observed a minute’s silence in memory of former England captain and broadcaster Tony Greig, who died of a heart attack at the age of 66 in Sydney at the weekend.

 

It will also be the 79th and final Test appearance for senior Australian batsman Mike Hussey, who has announced his retirement from international cricket.

 

Teams:

 

Australia: Michael Clarke (capt), David Warner, Ed Cowan, Phil Hughes, Michael Hussey, Matthew Wade, Mitchell Johnson, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Jackson Bird.

 

Sri Lanka: Mahela Jayawardene (capt), Dimuth Karunaratne, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Lahiru Thirimanne, Thilan Samaraweera, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Rangana Herath, Dhammika Prasad, Suranga Lakmal, Nuwan Pradeep.

 

Umpires: Aleem Dar (PAK), Tony Hill (NZL)

 

TV Umpire: Nigel Llong (ENG)

 

Match Referee: Chris Broad (ENG)