Cricket World Cup: Australian quick loses fitness battle

Pat Cummins. Photo / Getty Images

Australian paceman Pat Cummins will miss today's crucial match with Sri Lanka because of the side injury he picked up in last weekend's defeat to New Zealand.

Skipper Michael Clarke confirmed Cummins would miss a second game - he was also forced to sit out the 275-run win over Afghanistan in Perth.

The prognosis was more positive for Mitch Marsh, who trained well at the SCG yesterday.

"He had some foot pain. He told me on the field it was his boot," Clarke said. "But as you've seen today, he's batted, bowled and done his fielding.

"I asked him how he was feeling when I walked off from my first bat and he said he's flying and ready to go."

The selectors are yet to name a side for a game that will almost certainly decide who finishes second behind the Black Caps in Pool A, and avoid a likely quarter-final against South Africa and a potential semifinal against New Zealand in Auckland.

There's a slight chance of showers in Sydney today but Clarke suggested he wouldn't be spending too much time on the weather bureau's website.

"The forecast is pretty good, fingers crossed," he said. "I have got enough to worry about. I am not going to worry about the weather."

Australia's second pool fixture against Bangladesh in Brisbane was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to rain.

Australian opener Aaron Finch senses swing rather than speed could be the deciding factor in today's game. Nuwan Kulasekara, Suranga Lakmal and Lasith Malinga were part of the Sri Lankan side that skittled Australia for 74 at the Gabba in 2013 and all are capable of swinging the ball, something Australia struggled with against New Zealand.

"[Speed] is a bit of a factor, being at the SCG," Finch said. "But in terms of pace I don't think that worries people a hell of a lot. I think guys who can move the ball in the air are a much bigger threat."

In that regard, Finch was full of praise for Kulasekara, Lakmal and Malinga.

However, he noted Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood were also capable of hooping swing.

"That's more of an effect than genuine out-and-out pace," Finch said.

"When you combine the two together it's a pretty nice combination to to have. It's going to be a valuable asset no doubt, but they've got some star players in great form."

Rangana Herath and Dimuth Karunaratne are out with finger injuries, meaning Sri Lanka will be forced to make two changes to the side who defeated England.

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- AAP