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England vs Sri Lanka three-match ODI series has taken a huge turn after the Lankan Lions won the second match and tied the series 1-1. During the 2nd ODI, star batter Jos Buttler was injured and has been ruled out of the series. Ahead of the third game, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced the replacement for the wicket-keeper.
England won the first game by 89 runs, and the second game was a close one, as Sri Lanka won the match by 16 runs, at Leeds, Headingley. The third match is going to be a blockbuster one, as the Lankan Lions would want to win the series; on the other hand, the in-form England side will look to continue their good form.
ECB names replacement for Jos Buttler
On Friday, ECB announced Dan Lawrence as the replacement for Jos Buttler. The England batter has been in good form in recent times and has been credited with the same. He would look to capitalise on the chance if he gets a place in the playing XI. The former was brilliant in the Test series against Pakistan.
Lawrence was decent with the bat on his return to the Test side after a two-year absence for the series against Pakistan, scoring three fifties in four innings in the middle order. This is a maiden call-up for the Surrey batter; he has never played an ODI match before for the Three Lions. He has a decent record in List A matches.
ECB's statement on Jos Buttler
They stated that the former England captain has been ruled out after he suffered a hamstring injury during the second ODI match, and an official update will be provided after he goes through further scans and assessment from the medical team.
An ECB spokesperson said: "Surrey batter Dan Lawrence has been called into the England Men's squad for the third Metro Bank ODI against Sri Lanka on Sunday."
"Jos Buttler has been ruled out of the match due to the hamstring injury he suffered in the second Metro Bank ODI at Headingley last night and will undergo further assessment."
Kusal Mendis the hero for Sri Lanka
Coming to the match, Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat first, as they had a decent start, with Pathum Nissanka and Kamindu Mendis scoring 45 runs for the first wicket. The latter played a knock of 54 runs and stitched a 137-run partnership with Kusal Mendis for the second wicket.
The Sri Lanka captain scored 121 runs off 100 deliveries, smashing 14 fours and three sixes. Citing his innings and some small contributions from Pravan Rathnayake and Janith Liyanage, Sri Lanka posted a good total of 321/6 in their 50 overs.
While chasing 322 runs, England had a sensational start as they stitched 143 runs between Ben Duckett and Tom Banton for the first wicket. The former scored 63 runs, and Banton scored a crucial 73 runs.
However, the middle order of Joe Root and Harry Brook crumbled. Jos Buttler and Will Jacks tried their best, scoring 69 runs and 52 runs, respectively, but they failed as wickets kept falling at regular intervals.
