Sri Lanka coach Graham Ford says his men have been doing their homework and are prepared for a bumper barrage in their Twenty20 clash at the MCG on Monday.
Captain Mahela Jayawardene’s side claimed a five-wicket win in Saturday’s opening game in the two-match series on Saturday night at ANZ Stadium by scoring 5-139 off 18.5 overs in reply to Australia’s 3-137.
However, Australia are expecting a bit more pace in the MCG pitch compared to the ANZ Stadium deck and 12th man James Faulkner is a possible inclusion to bolster the home side’s fast-bowling attack.
“We’ll certainly look at the MCG wicket. It’s very big square of the wicket,” Australia captain George Bailey said.
“Going back to our one-day game there a couple of weeks ago, we certainly did attack them with the short ball a bit.
“There might be one change but there’s every chance not to be as well.”
Opener Tillakaratne Dilshan could be a target for Australia’s quicks after suffering a gash above his eye while scoring 16 in game one.
“The batters have worked on their options against short-pitched bowling,” Ford told AAP on Sunday.
“I’m sure we’ll be up for the challenge as far as that’s concerned.
“I think he (Dilshan) will be fine. He showed last night just how tough he really is,” Ford added.
“He took a nasty blow but still wanted to carry on. He’s pretty keen.
“He loves this format of the game and he really wants to get on and play.
“It seems as though it has settled quite nicely overnight so I’m pretty sure he’ll be there.”
Ford praised Sri Lanka’s performances in the one-day series (2-2) and T20 series (1-0) after losing the Tests 3-0.
“The fight is something I’m very proud of. They continue to do that when times get tough,” Ford said.
“The early part of the tour was very tough but they have shown a lot of character.
“It would be fantastic for them if they can finish off on a high note and win the series.”
Ford said a noisy bunch of Sri Lanka fans had lifted the touring team’s spirits at ANZ Stadium and he expected the visitors would also receive strong support at the MCG in their final game before heading home.