Preview:
The T20I series between England and Sri Lanka was overshadowed by the World Test Championship final. Now, their ODI series is likely to be overshadowed by the off-field offences of three Sri Lankan players: Kusal Mendis, Niroshan Dickwella and Danushka Gunathilaka. The trio has been sent back home after being caught on tape as they ventured out of the bio-bubble. Surely, the Durham’s Market Square offers something more enticing than what the general public knows about.
Staying within a secure environment is suffocating, but it is also essential for protecting the health of the players and conducting a smooth sporting event they will be paid hefty amounts for. As such, the blatant offence committed by the visitors – who were vaccinated on priority basis too – is sure to leave a sour aftertaste when a depleted Sri Lankan side takes the field today.
Venue and Time: Chester-le-Street, Durham on June 29, 2021 from 11 AM Local Time (3.30 PM IST)
Team News:
Jos Buttler has been ruled out from the white-ball summer after sustaining a calf injury. Jason Roy is likely to sit out of the match because of his tight hamstring as well. This leaves the door open for Eoin Morgan to experiment with his eleven: Dawid Malan is likely to continue opening the innings, while Billings and Livingstone will pair up once more in the middle order to stake a better claim over their T20 World Cup berths.
Sri Lanka could not be more in disarray, unless their board decided to fire the coach midway through the series – a prospect that remains improbable, if not impossible. The players sent home have not shown the greatest of form, but the management was allowing them to settle into the first eleven as the tour progressed. Without them, now, debuts are likely for the all-rounders Dhananjaya Lakshan and Charith Asalanka. Nuwan Pradeep might slot into the side as well.
Face-off to watch out for:
Dushmantha Chameera’s recent T20I spell of 4 for 17 produced the best bowling figures for a Sri Lankan in this format not going by the name of Lasith Malinga. His red-hot form is expected to continue. If he gets to bowl the opening spell, he will have a feisty duel with temporary opener Dawid Malan, who must be looking to earn a place in the ODI side as well.
Interesting facts you should know about:
- The last ODI played on this ground was in 2019, where England scored 305 for 8 before dismissing New Zealand for just 186 in the second innings.
- Joe Root will win his 150th ODI cap if he gets picked for the match today.
- Sri Lanka have an impressive 3-1 record at this venue, and they have defeated England in the two matches they have played here as well.
Expected XIs:
England: Jonny Bairstow, Dawid Malan, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan (c), Sam Billings (wk), Liam Livingston, Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Adil Rashid
Sri Lanka: Kusal Perera (c)(wk), Oshada Fernando, Pathum Nissanka, Dhananjaya Lakshan, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Isuru Udana, Nuwan Pradeep, Dushmantha Chameera
Fantasy Team:
K. Perera, J. Bairstow, E. Morgan, J. Root (C), D. Malan, P. Nissanka, C. Woakes, D. de Silva, A. Rashid (VC), I. Udana and M. Wood.
(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.
