Fresh off their six-hitting fest against Afghanistan, England are back in action as they play another Asian side in Sri Lanka at the Headingley on Friday in the World Cup. Both teams have had contrasting campaigns so far with England sitting pretty with only one loss in their five games while Sri Lanka have only four points to show for.
Inspite of valiant performances from openers Kusal Perera and Dimuth Karunaratne, Sri Lanka fell short against Australia and will be hoping that their middle order stands up against the raw pace of Mark Wood and Jofra Archer. Wood and Archer aren’t the only individuals to be wary off come Friday with the likes of Bairstow and Root also in supreme form as they look to continue their merry way at the top of the league table.
No changes are expected from England after a brilliant overall performance against Afghanistan. In Jason Roy’s absence, James Vince will look to make good use of his opportunity alongside Jonny Bairstow and Joe Root, who has hardly put a foot wrong so far in the World Cup.
Milinda Siriwardene could drop out for the all-round abilities of Jeevan Mendis with the pitch set to help the spinners a bit in the middle overs. With Lakmal’s fitness still in doubt, the rest of the side should remain unchanged with much expected from Angelo Mathews, who has only scored nine runs from his three outings with the bat.
Playing XI
England
James Vince, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Jofra Archer, Moeen Ali, Adil Rashid
Sri Lanka
Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Perera, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, Thisara Perera, Milinda Siriwardana, Isuru Udana, Lasith Malinga, Nuwan Pradeep
Dream 11:
Eoin Morgan, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Dimuth Karunaratne, Jos Buttler, Milinda Siriwardana, Lasith Malinga, Thisara Perera, Chris Woakes, Jofra Archer
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