I'm getting in early for the 2nd test while the going is good. With Sri Lanka facing sanctions for the poor 1st test pitch we should expect a much more conventional pitch for the 2nd test, which is great news for Aussie backers.
Sri Lankas strength is in the spin department, but thier seam and pace is lacking and thier batting is currently fragile, so a move toward a more conventional pitch is going to make Australia even harder to beat. Add to that the confidence the Aussies will take from the "character building" adversity of the 1st test and it's hard to see Sri Lanka bouncing back with a win in the 2nd test.
I'm very happy to see Ryan Harris fit and returning to form. He's a player to watch as he tends to thrive in sub-continent conditions. I'd back him for player of the series if I could find a market for it. Best I can get at the moment is 3.00 for him as top Australian wicket taker for the series with one of my bookies.
It's also good see both March and Khawaja having a run this test which further reinforces my opinion that this youthful team will be fresh, high on energy and enthusiasm with a strong determination to succeed. If Australia bat first look for Watson to get off to another blistering start and he may very well take the game away from Sri Lanka from the 1st session. If Australia can lead from the front and keep the pressure off the two new batsmen this could easily be a one-way train to 1.01 for Australia.
It's no surprise I'm taking a pre-game position of backing Australia at 3.35 and laying Sri Lanka at 3.60 while keeping the draw neutral. Once I've seen the true state of the pitch I'll take a position on the draw, but probably not until the end of day 2.