England vs Sri Lanka 2021, 3rd ODI- Match Preview

The third ODI in Bristol will bring an end to Sri Lanka’s tour to England. The inexperienced Lankan side s yet to win a match in the series. The series is a part of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League. Sri Lanka is languishing at the bottom of the table with just one win and as many as seven losses. England, on the other hand, are topping the table with six wins and five losses with 60 points. 

The final game is a dead rubber with England already having won the series. They have previously won the T20I series 3-0 heading into the ODI leg of the Sri Lankan tour.

England vs Sri Lanka, 3rd ODI: Match Preview

England

The Eoin Morgan led-side might rest a few of its players while trying out the remaining bench strength. They have added Tom Banton as a replacement for Dawid Malan who has pulled out of the final game due to personal reasons. The trio of Jo Buttler, Ben Stokes, and Jofra Archer are recovering from their respective injuries. While Archer is looking to make a comeback in the T20 World Cup followed by the Ashes series, Stokes will join the side in the Pakistan series. 

In the meantime, the third game might see quite a few changes in the England squad. Banton might replace Bairstow in the XI. George Garton could replace Mark Wood in the playing XI, while Liam Dawson could take Moeen Ali’s place. England could ope with Banton and Liam Livingstone with Jason Roy rested as well. Morgan and Root will control the middle-order for the side. 

Full Squad

Eoin Morgan (c), Moeen Ali, Jonathan Bairstow, Sam Billings, Tom Banton, Sam Curran, Tom Curran, Liam Dawson, George Garton, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, David Willey, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood

Sri Lanka

They have tried every possible combination to seek out a win but have remained unsuccessful so far. Now with the series lost, they also might give chances to the fringe players. The entire squad is inexperienced thus it will be very difficult for the management to choose whom to give chances. the likes of Praveen Jayawickrama, Shiran Fernando, Dhananjaya Lakshan, and Ramesh Mendis are yet to get a game in the series. 

Sri Lanka, after their series against England, will host Team India for another white-ball leg consisting of three ODIs and as many T20Is. The ODI will be played between July 13-18. The T20Is will be played between July 21-25. The ODIs will be a part of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League.

Full Squad

Kusal Perera (c/wk), Danushka Gunathilaka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Isuru Udana, Nuwan Pradeep, Ramesh Mendis, Lakshan Sandakan, Dushmantha Chameera, Niroshan Dickwella, Ishan Jayaratne , Shiran Fernando, Akila Dananjaya, Binura Fernando, Chamika Karunaratne, Charith Asalanka, Asitha Fernando, Oshada Fernando, Praveen Jayawickrama, Dhananjaya Lakshan, Pathum Nissanka.

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