Aussies begin Sri Lankan tour with a win - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Aussies begin Sri Lankan tour with a win

By Michael Donaldson 18/02/2004 05:09:45 AM Comments (0)

Michael Bevan's hopes of pushing for an immediate recall to the Australian one-day cricket side suffered a blow when he was left out of the practice match against the Sri Lankan board President's XI at Moratuwa.

Australia won the match in a canter after strong hands from all the batsmen.

The world champions, chasing 284 to win, got there with nearly six overs to spare, making 5-285, with three batsmen retiring.

Bevan, who cracked a rib during the tri-series in Australia last month, was declared fit to tour just a day before the team was named.

A regular in the Australian middle order with 227 one-day internationals to his name, Bevan would normally force his way straight back into the side after an injury spell.

But the form of newcomers like Michael Clarke and Simon Katich - with both bat and ball - could count against him when Australia names its team to take on Sri Lanka in the opening one-day at Dambulla on Friday.

Bevan, 33, was the only Australian player to have no role in the practice game, in which the teams agreed to use 13 players.

Australia stretched that to 14 when Brad Haddin replaced wicketkeeper Gilchrist in the 23rd over.

With captain Ponting indicating Australian would try to field its best batting line-up for this match in order for them to get used to the conditions, Bevan's prospects are not bright for a recall for Friday's day-nighter.

While he sat on the sidelines, his team-mates got amongst the runs against an average attack and got used to the conditions.

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