Dynamic opener David Warner faces a last-minute fitness test before Australia seeks a quick kill in the second tri-series final against Sri Lanka on Tuesday.
Warner is in doubt for the second final in Adelaide after complaining of groin soreness following his century-making heroics in Brisbane on Sunday.
The left-hander cracked 163 from 157 balls but did not field in Australia's 15-run win over the Sri Lankans in the first final.
Warner will have a fitness test before the day-nighter, with vice-captain Shane Watson preparing for a possible return to the opening position.
Newcomer Peter Forrest appears likely to return to the starting line-up if Warner is ruled out.
"We all hope he (Warner) is up and firing tomorrow," Australia's David Hussey said.
"It was a fantastic innings and all the boys hope he can replicate that."
Hussey says the Australians are desperate to close out the finals series in consecutive matches.
"This is a chance to win a series - not all of us have actually won a series in Australia in one-day international cricket," he said.
"So it's very important we actually close out the series in a professional manner."
Australia's triumph in Brisbane was marred by late lapses with the ball.
After setting the Sri Lankans 322 to win, Australia had the visitors at its mercy at 6 for 144 in the 31st over.
But bad bowling combined with remarkable knocks from Nuwan Kulasekara (73 from 43 balls) and Upul Tharanga (60 from 67) took Sri Lanka to within 15 runs of victory.
Hussey, who took 4 for 43, says Australia's bowlers failed to deliver on their plans.
"The conditions were a bit greasy and it was very hard to stand up for the fast bowlers," he said.
"But if we can just execute our skills ... I think we will go a long way to winning the game.
"I thought we played three-quarters of the perfect game last night - and hopefully there is a perfect game just around the corner."
Hussey's haul was the second time he has taken four wickets in a one-day international.
"I wouldn't say I'm a spinner. If they hit a few pebbles, they might turn a little bit," he said.
"A couple of years, I was probably just classed as a batsman and a muck-around net bowler who bowled to the tailenders.
"Now I'm opening the bowling in T20 cricket and bowling key overs in one-day cricket, so I definitely take it a little bit more seriously now."
AAP
Tags: sport, onedayseries, cricket, adelaide-5000, sa, australia First posted March 05, 2012 17:40:42
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