England vs Sri Lanka 2021, 3rd ODI- Sri Lanka's Predicted XI

Sri Lanka have their backs against the wall heading to the final game against England. After losing the T20I series, they are on the brink of being whitewashed in the ODIs as well. They have already lost the series after losing the first two games. The side has not played good cricket in the series so far and has been troubled by many external factors which also include dispute overpayments by the board.

They are playing for pride in the final game and will look for a win to end the tour on a high. In this article, we take a look at Sri Lanka’s predicted XI for the Bristol game. The inexperienced side has the tough task of churning out a win to keep the Lankan spirits on a high after they have been completely dominated and outplayed in the series so far. Another tough series against India awaits from July 13 after the completion of this ODI series.

England vs Sri Lanka 2021, 3rd ODI- Sri Lanka’s Predicted XI

Kusal Perera

Perera yet again holds the key for giving his team a good start. He scored 73 in the first ODI followed by a 0 in the second. He would look to get back amongst the runs in the final game and make a sizeable contribution for his team’s cause.

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Avishka Fernando

Fernando scored just 2 in the second ODI after missing out on the first game. He is a talented batsman but has not played an innings of substance in the recent past. With the other opener, Pathum Nissanka failing at the top as well, Fernando will get another chance in the final game. Nisaanka made single-digit scores in his last five ODIs for Sri Lanka.

Oshada Fernando

Oshada Fernando will come in for Charith Asalanka who has not produced anything substantial in the series for his side in the first two games. The options available to Sri Lanka also do not have rich international experience which is where the gulf is between the two sides.

Dhananjaya de Silva

He was unlucky to miss out on a 100 in the second game. His innings of 91 helped Sri Lanka get to 241 which unfortunately did not prove enough for the mighty England side who won the game by 8 wickets.

Wanindu Hasaranga

 

Hasaranga has also not produced anything special for his side so far. However, due to the inexperience amongst the other players, he will hold onto his side. The all-rounder will slot in at number five for Sri Lanka.

Dasun Shanaka

Another all-rounder Dasun Shanaka will bat at number six. Shanaka was Sri Lanka’s top scorer in the T20Is and scored some useful runs in the second ODI. He scored 47 and with the lower order played a key role in taking Sri Lanka close to 250.

Chamika Karunaratne

Karunaratne holds an experience of just 4 international games for his side. He scored s crucial 21 in the second ODI as the lower order got together to score some crucial runs. He also bowled six overs with the ball and took a wicket giving 34 runs.

Dushmantha Chameera

Chameera went wicketless in the second ODI. He was the team’s highest wicket-taker in the T20Is but has lost his form since then. He is the leader of this bowling group which is young and inexperienced.

Binura Fernando

Fernando too was expensive in the second ODI. He bowled a wicketless spell for 53 runs as the England batsmen took a tole on all the Sri Lankan bowlers. He will hold onto his place for the final game.

Asitha Fernando

Yet another Sri Lankan bowler who bowled a wicketless spell in the second ODI. The lack of wicket-taking ability within these bowlers has been a serious cause of concern for the team and their poor run so far.

Akila Dananjaya

Dananjaya completes the predicted playing XI Sri Lanka should look to field in the final ODI against England. He was not a part of the playing XI in the first two games of the series.

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