England Vs Sri Lanka, Match Preview
The series has been decided, and the next game may well be an extended net session for England. They have a few players on the bench who could get a chance in a series that has been very one-sided. Joe Root has been good, reminding everyone of his white-ball skills. He provided valuable fifties in the first two games, while Eoin Morgan returned to form with a good knock. The seamers have offered little room for the tame Sri Lankan batting. Sam Curran took a five-four, while Chris Woakes did well in the first ODI. David Willey has also done a consistent job in both games, and the bowling depth keeps improving.
While the results have come easy, England will have to be careful as they have a competitive series coming up. They face Pakistan next, which is very unpredictable.
For Sri Lanka, there have been some brilliant performances, but none good enough to put pressure on England. Kusal Perera and Hasaranga did well in the first game, while Dhananjaya De Silva made 91 in the second. The batting looked better in the second game, as Sri Lanka got to 244, but the score was nowhere near enough.
The bowling has shown some heart and looks more promising with each game. The main issue for Sri Lanka throughout the series has been the batting. The top-order hasn’t been consistent, and collapses are a regular feature in the innings. Sri Lanka faces a second-string Indian side after this, and the squad is likely to comprise the same players. They have been in the middle of some intense criticism in recent times and will need a strong performance at home.
England Vs Sri Lanka, Team News
With the series wrapped up, England could play someone like Tom Banton, who came in as a replacement for Dawid Malan. Liam Livingstone and Liam Dawson are two others who can come in along with George Garton.
Sri Lanka’s side continues to be a potential, and predicting an eleven is difficult. The players have been given different roles, with certain players batting higher up the order. With Bristol known to help spin, someone like Sandakan could be given a go.
England Vs Sri Lanka, Predicted XIs
England (possible): 1 Jason Roy, 2 Jonny Bairstow (wk), 3 Joe Root/Tom Banton, 4 Eoin Morgan (capt), 5 Sam Billings/Liam Livingstone, 6 Moeen Ali, 7 Sam Curran, 8 Chris Woakes, 9 David Willey, 10 Adil Rashid/Liam Dawson, 11 Mark Wood/George Garton
Sri Lanka (possible): 1 Kusal Perera (capt, wk), 2 Pathum Nissanka, 3 Avishka Fernando 4 Dhananjaya de Silva, 5 Charith Asalanka, 6 Dasun Shanaka, 7 Wanindu Hasaranga, 8 Chamika Karunaratne, 9 Binura Fernando, 10 Dushmantha Chameera 11 Asitha Fernando/Lakshan Sandakan
England Vs Sri Lanka, Players to Watch out for
Tom Banton
Tom Banton is an explosive young batter who started his international career well. He has a good strike rate in T20 Cricket and can change the game quickly. If he is selected, Tom Banton’s freedom may help England strengthen their bench ahead.
Lakshan Sandakan
With Bristol known to take some turns, Lakshan Sandakan could get a chance in the final game. Sandakan has been around the Sri Lankan squad for a while and can be a handy leg-spinner on his day. With England known to have issues with spin, historically, Sandakan may help bring out old enemies for the home side.
England Vs Sri Lanka, Pitch Report
Bristol is one of the few pitches in the UK that support spin. The surface isn’t as flat as what one may expect in England, but there is equal help for both batters and bowlers. Rain can be expected to interrupt the game, and overs may be lost.
