Freelance

It's been a while since Australia played Test cricket and a lot has changed since the Ashes, with such scrutiny and soul searching in Australian cricket recently there is no doubt that Australia will be hungry to prove itself and re-establish it's credibility as a cricketing power house.

Clark has proven he has leadership potential and has a good brain for cricket which is so much more important in Test cricket.  With Ponting showing glimpses of a form resurgence over the ODIs these two look determined to prove they aren't yesterdays men.  I'd expect both of them to have a strong series in Sri Lanka with Clark generally a good player of spin and with Ponting no longer burdened by the captaincy he will be able to focus on his batting.

I'm not convinced about Hughes selection as opener, but am excited by the prospect of Marsh/Khawaja in No.6.  I prefer the latter, but think that whomever is selected will account for themselves if the top order lays a solid foundation and they can come in at 300+ to play their natural game without scoreboard pressure.

The odds look interesting with the draw so heavily favoured even though the media is reporting the pitch as being a raging turner.  The Sri Lankan attack looks weak to me, especially in the pace/seam department and their batting lineup seems a bit brittle too.  If the recent England series is anything to go by the Sri Lankans are on the slide and are going to struggle.

I'm backing Australia pre-match at 3.75 and laying a small chunk of the draw, plus a larger chunk of Sri Lanka.  If Australia get to bat first I'd expect a grafting day 1 score of 3/250+ and the draw price could easily be sub 1.50 after the 1st day where I'll be looking to lay more of the draw at the close of the Australian 1st innings.