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Sri Lanka look to begin recovering from a disastrous Test series in a format they enjoy much more, but it will still be a tough ask against England. Join The Roar for live scores of this one-day match from 11pm (AEST).
The only reason Sri Lanka weren’t completely swept in the Test series was because the Lord’s match – the third of the series – was played on a flat pitch and the final day was almost completely lost to rain.
Still, after being dominated during the first two Tests it was a much-improved performance from the Sri Lankans, as they forced the match into a fifth day and restricted England to just 233 in their second innings.
This bowling performance suggests Sri Lanka might be in a better way for both this ODI series and the upcoming T20 series.
Both Suranga Lakmal and Nuwan Pradeep picked up three wickets apiece, and they will once again be the focus of the bowling attack, especially early on in the English innings.
The sub-continental team’s strength is their bowling attack, so if they fail to restrict England, especially on pitches that are more than likely going to have a fair bit in them for the bowlers, then it is hard to see them even competing in this series.
Experienced players Angelo Matthews and Dinesh Chandimal must lead the way with the willow.
Steve Finn and Chris Woakes, who were part of the English attack that destroyed Sri Lanka’s batting on more than one occasion, will line up again, but James Anderson and Stuart Broad are missing.
Incoming bowler Chris Jordan has a big role to play, as does top-order batsmen Alex Hales – who is in fantastic form – and captain Eoin Morgan.
In a five-match series there isn’t as much pressure on the first match, but it will be hard for Sri Lanka to recover if they go one down.
Prediction
Sri Lanka need to improve on previous performances and form, but they have some big hitters, and if their bowling attack gets it right they are in with a chance.
England should have too much class though – and watch for Eoin Morgan to go big, especially if the Lankans attack gets off to a good start.
Be sure to join The Roar for live scores of this match from 11pm (AEST) and don’t forget to add your own comments in the section below.
Follow Scott on Twitter @sk_pryde
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