This tri-series is getting interesting

This is now my fourth triangular series in Australia and it is fast becoming one of the most interesting. We are three relatively evenly matched teams, all currently strong in their bowling departments, and with pitches offering a little bit of assistance, especially for those bowlers that bend their backs, most of the batsmen are having a hard time.

Our batting is certainly our chief concern ahead of what will be two crucial matches for us this week. The top order, albeit in a shortened game, was superb against India in Canberra and we were very satisfied with that win. But our failure to chase down Australia's 237-run target in Perth was a blow. That kind of target should be knocked off.

We've talked a lot about it, but you don't need to be a rocket scientist to work out the solution: better shot selection and more patience. Over the years the Sri Lanka team has punched above its weight by virtue of being streetwise in its thinking. But our batting against Australia was far from intelligent. Sanga apart, we sold our wickets too cheaply.

In short, our shot selection has betrayed an unjustifiable impatience. We always strive to be positive, that is one of our strengths, but we should also seek to minimize unnecessary risks. Batsmen need to construct their innings with greater care. Greater adherence to the basic fundamentals of the game is essential.

The top order has the responsibility for showing greater patience and making sure that we build a proper platform for the middle order. Some of the younger guys are struggling to get their first big score of the tournament and it is the top order's job to put their hands up and help them out. If we can get off to a good solid start against India tomorrow that will give them an opportunity to get their confidence going again.

Australia has now taken a clear lead and is obviously odds-on to qualify for the finals. We wanted to keep it a three-team fight for as long as possible but now it is changing into a two-horse battle with India. This makes tomorrow's game absolutely crucial. India lead 6-4 on points but we have the advantage of a game in hand. We must cash in that advantage with a victory.

We were interested to see that India changed their formation on the weekend, opting for five bowlers, the same balance we have adopted. Like us, I suspect they now realize the importance of taking wickets. Trying to muddle through the overs of a fifth bowler can be very dangerous. In this tournament we've seen that and I think we are all now thinking along similar lines.

This strategy, though, will shorten their batting. They tried to overcome this by promoting Irfan Pathan to No 3 in the last game. However, although he is a promising all rounder who has done well up the order in India, asking him to bat at No 3 is a tough ask in Australia. Our bowlers must try and exploit the potential shortness of India's batting.

We are also aware that India will now be starting to feel some pressure. They have played some brilliant cricket during recent weeks, pushing Australia relatively hard in the Test series, and also giving the Aussie batsmen a tough time in this CB Series. However, they are inexperienced and the bottom-line is that they have just one win after five games and last week they lost two on the trot.

The next week is going to be a real test of character. It is likely to be a make-or-break week for the series and that means that mental strength is likely to be the key. We have traditionally played the better cricket during our high-pressure encounters and tomorrow we must prove our temperaments again. We know both sides have ability, but the real deciding question will be who can play with the greater intelligence and mental fortitude. (Gameplan)