David Warner’s first act as captain of Australia was to call incorrectly at the toss in Dambulla, where Angelo Mathews chose to bat. It meant that for the third consecutive time from three games in this series, Australia would have to chase down a target.
Sri Lanka made no changes to their side in what will be Tillakaratne Dilshan’s final ODI before retirement. Australia, though, made three changes, the most notable being the result of captain Steven Smith flying home mid-series to rest up ahead of a busy upcoming period.
Shaun Marsh came in for his first game of the series in place of Smith, with Usman Khawaja once again missing out. The Australians also dropped allrounder Moises Henriques and spinner Nathan Lyon, a surprising move given that the Dambulla pitch appeared to be dry and was expected to take plenty of turn.
Josh Hazlewood returned after playing the first ODI and being left out of the second, but Australia’s selectors also sprung a slight surprise by including John Hastings. Although not officially named as part of the ODI squad, Hastings was chosen in Australia’s squad for the two T20s that follow the five ODIs, and he and fast bowler Scott Boland had arrived in Sri Lanka early.
-ESPN
