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Sri Lanka will begin their three-match ODI series against England with the first game at the Banks Homes Riverside in Chester-le-Street on Tuesday, September 22. The visitors will be looking to make a strong start to the series after England completed a 3-0 clean sweep in the preceding T20I series.
Kusal Mendis was originally named captain of Sri Lanka’s ODI squad, with Charith Asalanka appointed his deputy. However, Mendis’ fitness remains a key talking point after he missed the T20I leg while recovering from a hamstring injury. Asalanka led Sri Lanka in the T20Is, but the ODI squad still includes Mendis.
Sri Lanka have several established players in their ODI group, including Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana and Dushmantha Chameera. The team also has promising young options such as Kamil Mishara and Pavan Rathnayake.
Here is Sri Lanka’s predicted playing XI for the first ODI against England:
Pathum Nissanka should open the innings for Sri Lanka. The right-hander has been one of the team’s most reliable batters across formats and was specifically highlighted by the ICC as being in terrific form ahead of the England tour.
His ability to play both conventional cricketing strokes and calculated attacking shots makes him crucial at the top of the order. Against England’s pace attack, Nissanka’s performance in the powerplay could set the tone for Sri Lanka.
Kamil Mishara could partner Nissanka at the top of the order. The left-handed batter is part of Sri Lanka’s ODI squad and has been earmarked as one of the country’s younger batting prospects.
Mishara’s left-handed presence also gives Sri Lanka variety at the top and could make it harder for England’s bowlers to settle into a consistent line.
If fit, Kusal Mendis should return to the XI and take over the captaincy and wicketkeeping responsibilities. He was named captain of both Sri Lanka’s ODI and T20I squads for the England tour, although he missed the T20I series because of his hamstring injury.
His experience will be particularly important in an unfamiliar English environment. Mendis can also provide momentum in the middle overs with his aggressive strokeplay.
Charith Asalanka is expected to occupy the No. 4 position. The left-hander was appointed Mendis’ deputy and has already taken on leadership duties during the T20I series.
Asalanka’s ability to handle spin and pace makes him an important middle-order batter. If Sri Lanka lose early wickets, he could be tasked with rebuilding the innings before accelerating later.
Kamindu Mendis should continue as a key member of the middle order. The ambidextrous all-rounder gives Sri Lanka flexibility with both bat and ball and was identified as one of the players expected to strengthen the middle order during the England tour.
His ability to contribute with different bowling options further enhances Sri Lanka’s balance.
Janith Liyanage is another strong option for the middle order. He has been part of Sri Lanka’s ODI setup and provides an additional right-handed batting option.
His role could become especially important if Sri Lanka need to accelerate during the final 15 overs while maintaining enough batting depth.
Wanindu Hasaranga should be one of Sri Lanka’s most important players. The leg-spinning all-rounder can influence the game in both departments and gives the visitors a genuine wicket-taking option through the middle overs.
His ability to contribute lower down the order also allows Sri Lanka to build a deeper batting lineup without sacrificing their bowling resources.
Dunith Wellalage could slot in as Sri Lanka’s second frontline spin-bowling all-rounder. His left-arm orthodox bowling provides a different challenge from Hasaranga, while his batting ability adds further depth.
With England possessing several aggressive right-handers, Wellalage’s angle could prove useful during the middle overs.
Maheesh Theekshana is likely to lead Sri Lanka’s spin attack alongside Hasaranga and Wellalage. His ability to bowl with the new ball and restrict scoring during the powerplay makes him a particularly valuable ODI bowler.
Theekshana’s variations could also be important against England’s aggressive top order.
Dushmantha Chameera should spearhead the pace attack. The experienced fast bowler can generate pace and bounce and will be expected to provide breakthroughs with the new ball.
His experience in English conditions could also prove useful against a strong England batting lineup.
Dilshan Madushanka could complete Sri Lanka’s predicted XI. The left-arm seamer gives the attack a different angle and has the ability to trouble batters with movement early in the innings.
Sri Lanka also have Asitha Fernando and Eshan Malinga in the squad, so there is competition for the remaining pace-bowling spot.
Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (C & WK), Charith Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan MadushankaĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā
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