ODI Series: David Warner unhappy with Sri Lankan pitches

Balls have been raising puffs of dust, edges have sometimes failed to carry to the keeper, and only once in eight innings has 250 been surpassed, but although these are alien conditions, Australia have clinched the ODI series the “Australian way”, according to the acting captain David Warner.

Aaron Finch only just missed out on fastest ever one-day global half-century and George Bailey also put on a show after John Hastings set Australia up for a six-wicket win to seal a series triumph over Sri Lanka.

George Bailey top-scored for Australia for the second match in a row, converting Finch’s start into a win with a 85-ball 90 not out.

Earlier Hastings career-best bowling figures of 6-45 helped bowl out Sri Lanka for 212 after electing to bat first despite Dhananjaya de Silva’s fighting 76.

Sri Lanka might have found an opener in de Silva – and they needed one after the retirement of Tillakaratne Dilshan – but they lost their captain Angelo Mathews to a calf injury and may find themselves in danger of losing the series.

Finch blasted an Australia record-equalling 55 from only 19 balls as they coasted to victory in Dambulla on Wednesday and the opening batsman revealed that a dressing down from head coach Lehmann spurred the ODI side back into life. He got the ideal partner in Travis Head, who scored 40 in 71 balls, as the two put on 100 runs for the fourth wicket.

Head was trapped lbw Dilruwan Perera (1-69) with the finishing line in sight but Matthew Wade, who remained unbeaten on eight, joined Bailey at the crease to hit the winning six. Total: (all out in 50 overs) 212.

Amila Aponso’s economy rate in his first three ODIs – 89 runs in 29.2 overs, including seven wickets.

“Very very pleasing. Thrilled to win the series, hard-fought effort”.

De Silva faced 87 balls and hit nine boundaries for his first ODI half-century. Sachith Pathirana was the pick of the bowlers for Sri Lanka as he picked up three wickets on the occasion. After 10 overs, Sri Lanka were 32 for 3. This double strike brought some hope in the Sri Lankan camp.

Although Mathews had a lean series with both bat and ball, having scored 99 runs across four matches at 24.75, and picking up just four wickets in as many games, Sri Lanka will miss the experience and expertise going into the T20I format. Warner, whose side suffered their first Test whitewash against the hosts last month, said the sluggish pitches were not ideal for ODI cricket.

The final match of the series will be played in Pallekele on Sunday.