Australia v Sri Lanka, 3rd ODI, Brisbane and Ricky Ponting has been rest

Match Facts

Sunday, November 7, Brisbane

Start time 13.20 local (02.20 GMT)

The Big Picture:

Australia are currently on a seven-match losing streak in all forms of the game. The last time they won was the first Test against Pakistan in July. Not since 1996 have they lost seven in a row - England also beat them in seven consecutive Tests between 1885 and 1888 - and they have never been defeated in eight straight. Michael Clarke is in charge of making sure that doesn't happen following Ricky Ponting's decision to miss the match to prepare for Tasmania's Sheffield Shield game on Wednesday.

Watch out for:

Shane Watson looked on the verge of something significant in Sydney before missing a sweep off Muttiah Muralitharan. Now that Watson is a senior player, his team needs him to come off regularly at the top of the order. If that happens the chances of another loss decrease significantly. After chipping in with two wickets at the SCG, he should also enjoy the conditions in Brisbane, his former home.

Team news:

With Ricky Ponting heading to Shield cricket to practice his hook shot, Australia should bring in Callum Ferguson for his first ODI since he hurt his knee in the 2009 Champions Trophy final. Given the conditions in Brisbane, it is unlikely Xavier Doherty will return, but John Hastings could be a chance to replace one of the fast bowlers. 

Pitch and conditions:

In the previous game at the Gabba, Queensland were dismissed for 75 and 96 to end the Sheffield Shield fixture in two days. There has been some more sun around this week but it will still be a wicket for the bowlers. A shower or two is forecast for Brisbane on Sunday, with a top temperature of 26.

Australia (possible) 

1 Shane Watson 

2 Brad Haddin (wk) 

3 Michael Clarke (capt)

4 Cameron White 

5 Michael Husse,

6 Callum Ferguson 

7 Steven Smith 

8 Mitchell Johnson

9 Nathan Hauritz 

10 Clint McKay 

11 Peter Siddle