Big decisions ahead of Tasmania

Sri Lanka have crucial decisions regarding team selection to make that may prove to be integral to their success in the second and final Test at The Bellerive Oval, Tasmania.

One man that will definitely regain his place in the side, if he has returned to 100% match fitness, will be Kumar Sangakkara. His obvious quality and experience will be needed if Sri Lanka are to improve on their first innings performance in this Test.

It is expected that Sangakkara will come in at number three, meaning Michael Vandort, who batted impressively in the second innings at Brisbane, will be demoted down to number five.

The other likely option for Mahela Jayawardene is to recall fast bowler Lasith Malinga, the favourite candidate to drop out appears to be Chaminda Vaas,who is on the verge of his 100th Test appearance.

Malinga will offer a genuine wicket taking threat and in a game where Sri Lanka need to win, his selection must be a near certainty.

Australia have no such problems, and are expected to remain with the same eleven that completed the comprehensive victory in Brisbane.

Michael Clarke, a centurion from the first Test, has been suffering with a tight hamstring, but the injury is nothing that will cause too much cause for concern for the Australian selection panel, as it is presumed he will shake off the problem ahead of the Test.

Sri Lanka are desperate for a victory here that will gain them deserved recognition of their current standing in the game. However, Australia are unbeaten in the seven Test matches played at Bellerive Oval, and with the confidence attained from Brisbane and notorious belief they have in themselves, Sri Lanka will certainly have to work exceptionally hard if they are to win their first ever Test match on Australian soil.