Aaron Finch senses swing rather than speed could be the deciding factor in Australia’s crunch World Cup clash with Sri Lanka at the SCG on Sunday.

The loser will almost certainly finish third in Pool A, creating a more difficult path to the March 29 final in Melbourne.

Nuwan Kulasekara, Suranga Lakmal and Lasith Malinga were part of the Sri Lankan side that skittled Australia for 74 at the Gabba in 2013.

All are capable of swinging the ball, something that Australia struggled with in the recent loss to New Zealand at Eden Park.

“It (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.”

Mahela Jayawardene suggested his teammates were ready to test themselves against some of the best pacemen in the tournament.

“They are quick and we have faced lot of quicks in the tournament,” Jayawardene said.

“Starc has been bowling well and Johnson has been great.

“For us to play Australia and New Zealand (early in the tournament) is good, as that helps us to assess where we are.”

Finch opined the absence of Rangana Herath would hurt the tourists, with legspinner Seekkuge Prasanna likely to take his place in the XI.

Jayawardene said Sri Lanka were yet to settle on the two changes they will be forced to make to the side that defeated England, with Herath and Dimuth Karunaratne both out due to finger injuries.

“It’s unfortunate. We have some experienced players to back them up,” he said.

“We haven’t made the decision who is replacing whom.”