da wazamba： In sport, you never know which are the opportunities which are the precursorto bigger and greater things
David Wiseman10-Jan-2003In sport, you never know which are the opportunities which are the precursorto bigger and greater things.For Michael Vaughan, it was the second Test in Adelaide. Justin Langer caughthim when he was on 19 but it was referred to the third umpire who gave thebatsman the benefit of the doubt.Vaughan went on to make 177. Who knows how the rest of his series would havefared had Langer’s appeal be upheld? Three centuries? Who would know? Man ofthe series? Unlikely.For Sri Lanka, their opportunity was being sent in by Australia. They havecapitalised on it and have responded by making 5/343 against a sub-strengthAustralian line-up.But the bigger picture is what this innings means in terms of Australia.Brad Hogg is no Shane Warne. Brett Lee and Andy Bichel do not pose the samenew ball threat as Glenn McGrath or Jason Gillespie.In the already bowler short World Cup Australian squad, if one of thebowlers goes down, Australia is already in trouble. They have a long battingline-up but do they always want to be chasing scores of 300-plus?Watson going for 72 from his full quota and Hogg being carted for 72 fromnine is simply not acceptable if Australia wishes to do well at the upcomingWorld Cup.Twenty-nine in wides and no-balls does not aid their cause either.Will the Australian selectors be regretting their composition of the final15? The first XI are a great side but are the back-ups adequatereplacements?