Australia can seal a series victory in Tuesday's third ODI against Sri Lanka at Hambantota.The visitors took a decisive 2-0 lead in the best of five-match contest with an authoritative eight-wicket win on Sunday.The success was built on yet another fine, disciplined bowling performance by Australia, who skittled Sri Lanka for a moderate 208.
In a positive sign, all six Aussie bowlers used by captain Michael Clarke enjoyed success, headlined by 3-35 from Doug Bollinger.
Bollinger bowled with genuine pace and control, rattling the Sri Lankans middle-order in the process.That was best evidenced by the bouncer that found out rising star Dinesh Chandimal.Evergreen spearhead Brett Lee claimed the key wicket of Sri Lankan captain Tillakaratne Dilshan on his way to 2-50, while Mitchell Johnson followed up his game one heroics with 2-34.Johnson and Bollinger have exploited a weakness by the home side's batsmen against quality left-arm pace bowling.Twice Dilshan has won the toss and batted in this series with disappointing results, so it will be interesting to see what decision the skipper makes if he calls correctly.Shane Watson chipped in with the final wicket of the home side's innings, while there were again encouraging results for Australia's spinners.David Hussey's off-breaks conjured the figures of 1-15 from five overs, but more importantly the key wicket of Kumar Sangakkara.Xavier Doherty also caught the eye with a spell of 1-43, highlighted by the wicket of Mahela Jayawardene.Australia's good work with the ball translated in its batting as they chased down the target with 70 balls in hand.Sadly Brad Haddin missed out again, but Shane Watson (43) played a good hand and shared a 94-run stand with a rejuvenated Ricky Ponting, who hit an unbeaten 90 to guide Australia home.Ponting says he is enjoying life post-captaincy."There's no doubt that for me to be able to turn up to training and focus on my batting and fielding has been nice," Ponting said."I've been able to be that little bit fresher I think and I've felt in control in the two games I've played here so far, so hopefully that continues for the rest of the tour.New captain Clarke is also in good touch, hitting his second unbeaten half-century of the series.But he expects the home side to fight back in game three, again being played in the southern coastal city of Hambantota."I still think Sri Lanka have some very good spinners, they probably haven't put enough runs on the board to put us under pressure, or enough pressure," Clarke said."Our fast bowlers have done a really good job, they've executed their plans well and used the conditions."They've used reverse swing and bowled pretty straight when they've had to at the stumps.
