Match Overview
In the opening match of a three-match ODI series, Sri Lanka opted to bat first after winning the toss against England in Colombo on Thursday. The match marks England’s first international outing since their recent Ashes defeat in Australia earlier this month.
Team Changes and Strategy
Due to illness, the English team had to make a last-minute switch with Will Jacks being replaced by leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed, who will join forces with another leg-spinner, Adil Rashid. Other spin options available to England include Jacob Bethell and Joe Root. Captain Harry Brook expressed that while he would have preferred to bat first, he respects the situation and acknowledges the challenge posed by a strong Sri Lankan side playing on home turf.
Sri Lankan Lineup and Conditions
This match also sees the return of Sri Lankan Test captain Dhananjaya de Silva to the ODI format, having last played in November 2023. In contrast, Wanindu Hasaranga has been rested as he focuses on the upcoming T20 World Cup that will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka next month.
At the toss, Charith Asalanka, the Sri Lankan captain, commented on the favorable pitch conditions, expressing hopes for a solid score. The hosts are counting on their two specialist spinners, Dunith Wellalage and Jeffrey Vandersay, to exploit the expected assistance from the pitch, which favors slower bowlers. In total, the Sri Lankan lineup features de Silva and Asalanka as their off-spin options.
Player Lineups
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka (captain), Janith Liyanage, Pavan Ratnayake, Dunith Wellalage, Pramod Madushan, Jeffrey Vandersay, Asitha Fernando.
England: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (captain), Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Rehan Ahmed, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid.
