Australia have made it to the final of the ongoing tri-series after defeating England in Hobart by three wickets. Their next game is against India in Sydney on Sunday and coach Darren Lehmann said they will use that match to try out different combinations for the World Cup.
“Since we have qualified for the final, it gives us a chance to do something different. We have some depth in case of injuries,” Lehmann said. “There will be some more changes and that’s okay. We could also bat a few guys at different positions. It’s a big game, it’s Australia Day and we will make sure we are up there.”
Lehmann confirmed the return of David Warner for the SCG ODI after he sat out the last two matches. He, however, wasn’t sure about the availability of Shane Watson and Mitchell Johnson yet.
“Warner will come back in and with Watson we will see how Watson goes tomorrow. We want everyone a 100 per cent fit for the final and then the World Cup. Johnson is close.”
“He has been bowling and will hopefully have full training session tomorrow and be available for selection. He should be fine now after that break and he will soon regain his full fitness and pace.”
The Australian coach spoke glowingly of Steven Smith, who has been on a roll since taking over the Test captaincy. After scoring four centuries in the Test series against India, Smith has taken his form into the ODI series too, as shown by his 102 against England in Hobart.
“He is in top form and the big thing is to keep making runs when you’re in that form and he is doing that,” Lehmann said of Smith. “He has had an exceptional summer and we want that to continue for years to come and not just for this summer.”
By: BCCI
