England vs Sri Lanka 2021, 1st ODI- Weather Forecast And Pitch Report

After the three-match T20I series, England and Sri Lanka will engage in a three-match ODI series, starting with the first game Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street, on Tuesday, June 29. England beat Sri Lanka 3-0 in the T20I series and starts as favorites to win the ODI series as well. For the Lankans, it’s a perfect opportunity to take revenge on their T20i series defeat. 

While England have an experienced ODI squad, the Lankan side lacks the necessary experience. They have to literally play out of their skins to win the ODI series. Meanwhile, the side has injury issues heading into the series. Jos Buttler has been ruled out with a calf injury. Dawid Malan has been added to the squad as Joe Root makes a comeback. 

Ahead of the first game, both teams have played 75 ODIs between themselves winning 36 games each. However, when compared, England are way ahead of the Lankans in the current scheme of things. 

England vs Sri Lanka, 1st ODI: Pitch Report

The Riverside ground has hosted 19 ODIs before this game and the average first innings score has been 250. The second innings score gets down to 190. Thus this proves, this is not a high-scoring ground. Both teams might look up to their spinners to do the job as the wicket looks to be slow and dry.

England vs Sri Lanka, 1st ODI: Weather Report

It’s summer in England now. However, the conditions have been mostly overhead in many venues across the UK. On this ground as well, there is a forecast of rain for the game. The game starts at 11 am local time. The sun will shine in the morning with the cloud cover gradually taking effect during the course of the game. There might be just a passing shower that interrupts the game.

Also Read: Jos Buttler To Miss The Remaining White-Ball Fixtures Of The Home Summer; Ben Stokes Likely To Return Against Pakistan