Rain plays spoilsport in first Oz-Lanka Commonwealth Bank final

Brisbane, Mar. 4 (ANI): Rain interrupted play in the first of three Commonwealth Bank series finals between Australia and Sri Lanka at The Gabba on Sunday, but did not stop the hosts from cruising to 162 for the loss of Mathew Wade's wicket for 64.

David Warner, the other opener, was unbeaten on an attacking 82 when play was stopped after 28 overs.

Wade and Warner have given their side the desired rollicking start and Australia seem to be headed for a big total.

Australian captain Michael Clarke chose to bat after winning the toss. Keeping Warner company is vice-captain Shane Watson on 11.

Wade fell to a spectacular, freakish left-handed catch in the outfield by Rangana Herath of a delivery from Nuwan Kulasekara.

His partnership with Warner was worth 136.

Australia's opening stands had been a weakness during the qualifying stages of the tournament - their best partnership was 70 against India, and their best against Sri Lanka had been 22.

Warner started off slowly, but soon decided that the best way out of his lean patch was to go for his shots.

His half-century came off 61 deliveries. He has struck seven boundaries and two sixes in his 87-ball knock.

Australia had entered the match with two changes, Clarke returning from injury at the expense of Peter Forrest, and Clint McKay was left out of the side to accommodate Brett Lee.

Sri Lanka made three changes from the side that won Friday's thrilling encounter at the MCG, two of them forced by injuries.

Thisara Perera has flown home due to a back injury and Angelo Mathews has not recovered from his calf injury, while off-spinner Sachithra Senanayake was left out.

Tharanga was named at No.6, having struggled earlier in the series when he was opening, Maharoof was brought back after recovering from a back problem, and Prasad was named having not played since Sri Lanka's first two matches of the tournament. (ANI)