Pace-bowling allrounder Shane Watson says controlling the swinging ball in Colombo’s humid conditions will be a major focus for the Australians as they prepare for Wednesday’s opening World Twenty20 Group B encounter.

In a clash of No.9 versus No.10 on the world rankings, 2010 runners-up Australia will start as strong favourites against Ireland.

The Irish were briefly ranked above Australia last week, before Australia clinched the dead-rubber third match of their series against Pakistan in Dubai on September 10.

Australia beat New Zealand by 56 runs in a warm-up game last weekend and followed that up with a narrow loss to No.1-ranked England on Monday, scoring 6-163 in reply to the defending champions’ 6-172.

Australia’s in-form left-arm quick Mitchell Starc grabbed 2-32 but was the main offender in terms of accuracy with eight wides.

Clint McKay (0-33) is likely to be dropped for teenager Pat Cummins, who was rested for the England game.

Middle-order batsman David Hussey was also left out of Monday’s side and is unlikely to win a reprieve for Wednesday’s opening game, according to coach Mickey Arthur.

This means Australia will have a range of allrounders including Watson, offspinner Glenn Maxwell and medium-pacer Dan Christian batting in their top seven.

But Watson says Australia’s strong pace attack needs to be wary of getting carried away with the swing on offer to the quick bowlers.

“In this humidity the new ball is going to swing and we have got guys who can swing the ball, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc,” Watson said.

“So we have to make sure we can control it because we can’t afford to have that many extras.

“In the end that was one the telling factors and the reason why they got 172 and it lets the batsmen off.”

Watson says Australia will need to bat without fear against Ireland who boast a handy pace attack and some dangerous spinners led by ICC Associate player of the year George Dockrell.

“Not too many guys have been talking about it but deep inside everyone knows they are a very dangerous team,” Watson says.

“Certainly have to be at our best to make sure we dominate the game.”