Australia A sets big target but Symonds not among runs

BRISBANE, Dec 14 AAP - The World Cup aspirations of Australia A all-rounder Andrew Symonds are all but over after he failed to join in the run feast in the one-day match against Sri Lanka at the Gabba today.

However Jimmy Maher as good as booked himself a ticket to South Africa with an impressive 106 to lead Australia A to an imposing total of 8-312.

Batting prodigy Michael Clarke also impressed with 79 off 84 balls while keeper Ryan Campbell provided an entertaining cameo knock of 42 runs off 28 balls.

Symonds was given a golden opportunity to press for selection in the World Cup squad when he was promoted to number three in the batting line-up at the expense of Greg Blewett.

However the enigmatic all-rounder threw away his innings with a careless shot when he was on seven.

The 27-year-old got off to a nervous start then holed out to Sujeewa De Silva at long-off, off the gentle off-spin bowling of Thilan Samaraweera with 30 overs left in the innings, a perfect batting strip and weakened Sri Lankan bowling attack at his mercy.

Symonds was a dejected figure as he headed back to the pavilion in the knowledge that tonight's match was the last one-day fixture for Australia's fringe players before the squad for South Africa is named in just over two weeks.

His Queensland Bulls team-mate Maher all but secured his berth in the Australian squad with a controlled innings.

Maher's knock was even paced and displayed great maturity, picking the gaps while only hitting nine boundaries.

He reached his 100 off 110 balls to the delight of his home crowd.

Maher and Clarke shared in a 117-run partnership that helped build Australia's daunting total with Clarke's innings also sure to catch the eye of selectors.

Campbell's late innings heroics featured some swash buckling party tricks including flicks over the keeper, short fine leg and a magnificent straight six.

Australia A got off to a flying start after Justin Langer won the toss and elected to bat and led by example.

Langer and Maher took 24 runs off the first two overs however Sri Lanka managed to slow the run rate momentarily once the weakened attack brought their line and length under control.

Langer was struck in the side of the head by a Fernando bouncer with the score on 91 which produced a lump the size of a golf ball near his left temple.

The gritty Western Australian decided to bat on but was out the next over after a mix-up led to his run out.

Langer and Maher put on 97 for the opening partnership and provided the perfect foundation for the Australia A innings.

Sri Lanka's task of overhauling the homeside's total will be made even harder because they will only face 48 overs due to their own slow over rate