Preview:
With the WTC Final concluding at the edges of Southampton today, a few glances will be cast in the direction of Cardiff as well where England and Sri Lanka square off in a 3 match T20 series that won’t be short of relevance in the build-up to the T20 World Cup later this year.
Many of the cricketers absent from international duty during the New Zealand Test series will return to play for England in their new kit. On the other hand, the world No8 Sri Lankans will field their best eleven and try to understand where they are as a team during these encounters.
Venue and Time: Sophia Gardens, Cardiff from 11 pm IST, 23 June 2021
Team News:
Eoin Morgan has been in the headlines for the wrong reasons, with some of his historical Tweets under the scanner. He will hope to shift media attention back onto the cricket, with most first-choice players of the format at his disposal. Jofra Archer will not a play a part in the series, but this opens up a slot for the likes of Chris Woakes and David Willey to shine. Moeen Ali will occupy the all-rounder’s spot in place of Ben Stokes, with the latter still transitioning into the sport.
Kusal Perera, the newly appointed skipper of the T20 side for Sri Lanka, will have to face plenty of questions without anyone providing the answers for them. At least, Avishka Fernando returns to the side after achieving better fitness results. His flamboyant technique will boost the top three’s productivity, while the middle order has plenty of options to choose from.
Face-off to watch out for:
Dawid Malan has made himself undroppable on the back of his performances for the team. However, he seems to be the most susceptible to spin. Facing Hasaranga will be a challenge with either side vying for early breakthroughs on a pitch that is suspected to assist spin.
Interesting statistics:
- Sri Lanka has lost 14 out of the 19 T20I matches they have played since 2019. They have also lost their last three matches against England in this format.
- This season, the run rate at Sophia Gardens has been the lowest out of all the grounds being used for the T20 blast – 7.59 runs per over.
- Kusal Perera, expected to feature in the top three, has scored at a SR of 84 and an average of less than 10 against England in T20Is.
Expected XIs:
England: 1 Jason Roy, 2 Jos Buttler (wk), 3 Dawid Malan, 4 Jonny Bairstow, 5 Eoin Morgan (capt), 6 Moeen Ali, 7 Sam Curran, 8 Chris Woakes, 9 Chris Jordan, 10 Adil Rashid, 11 Mark Wood
Sri Lanka: 1 Danushka Gunathilaka, 2 Avishka Fernando, 3 Kusal Perera (capt.)(wk), 4 Kusal Mendis, 5 Oshada Fernando, 6 Dhananjaya de Silva, 7 Dasun Shanaka, 8 Wanindu Hasaranga, 9 Isuru Udana, 10 Dushmantha Chameera, 11 Nuwan Pradeep
Fantasy Team:
J. Buttler(C), J. Bairstow, D. Gunathilaka, J. Roy, D. Malan, A. Fernando, D. de Silva, W. Hasaranga, A. Rashid(VC), D. Chameera, C. Jordan
(The Final Dream11 Team for this game will be provided in our Telegram Channel 10 minutes post toss)
Where To Watch In India:
Sony Six (Television Streaming), Sony LIV (Online Streaming)
Note: This prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. Please ensure that while you select your team, consider the points that are mentioned and make your own decision accordingly.
