3 minute read

Billy Stanlake is firming for a berth in Australia's T20 international at the Gabba with Mitchell Starc granted leave to attend his brother's wedding.

As far as a launch pad for a T20 World Cup campaign goes, Pat Cummins admits Sunday's huge defeat of Sri Lanka was almost perfect.

But the Australian quick remains wary of a side that has upset them before and optimistic that rare continuity in the format will have them well placed for a maiden title in November next year.

Cummins did his bit with the ball after a maiden Twenty20 international hundred from David Warner had powered the hosts in a brutal 134-run victory at the Adelaide Oval.

Australia amassed 2-233 and Sri Lanka could only muster 9-99 in reply.

They will meet again for the second of a three-game series in Brisbane on Wednesday night, with Mitchell Starc allowed to leave camp and attend his brother Brandon's wedding.

He will rejoin the squad on Thursday, with either towering Queensland paceman Billy Stanlake or clever change-up option Sean Abbott likely to replace the left-armer Starc.

Cummins enjoyed his rare limited overs reunion with Starc but said his absence wouldn't mean the Sri Lankan batsmen could breathe easy, particularly with Stanlake waiting in the wings.

"(Bowling short is) something we speak about, no doubt, especially at the Gabba or Adelaide Oval, where it's quite fast and bouncy," Cummins said.

"And all our bowlers are 6 (foot) four (inches) or 6'5."

The summer's first Test, against Pakistan at the same ground, is less than a month away.

But Cummins said he was able to shelve any thoughts of red ball cricket during this series as the squad eyes a clinical performance at next year's World Cup on home soil.

"Yep, 12 months, the campaign starts now," Cummins said.

"It's a great way to start the summer and review a game like you would and fortunately yesterday there were hardly any negatives, it was all positives.

"There's no reason why we can't (grow into a legitimate World Cup threat)."

Cummins won't be caught up in Australia's game-one dominance though, given he's able to recall Sri Lanka's 2017 visit when they came from a similar position to win the series 2-1.

"They're a really good side; looking down their team sheet yesterday, even some on their bench, they've got some pretty dangerous batters that didn't fire yesterday," he said.

"We've got to be pretty wary of them."