Sri Lanka vs England 2018: 2nd ODI, Dambulla - Match Preview

After the first ODI got abandoned due to rain, it is the time for Sri Lanka and England to lock horns in the 2nd ODI of Sri Lanka vs England 2018 series. The 15-over cricket on the other day has got nothing on offer for the fans except a 1000-run partnership in a calendar year between Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow for record books.

With the monsoon hitting Sri Lanka, the rain is once again in the forecast with 65-95% chances of it pouring down. However, unlike first ODI, the officials kept a reserve day for the Saturday’s clash. Don’t take the sigh of relief; there is rain forecast on Sunday as well.

Coming to the team strategy, England will most probably head into the second game with the same XI. Much to the same, Sri Lanka will also go with the same XI, as there is no reason for changing the core group.

Despite Sri Lanka playing the hosts, England will start as the favourites to win the game. However, England is in a blistering form as a unit while Sri Lanka is still looking to arrange their proper XI.

The addition of Chris Woakes is icing on the cake for already star-studded England lineup. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka lost the services of Angelo Mathews, who has been the pretty consistent performer for the team.

On the bowling front, Sri Lanka got Lasith Malinga and Akil Dananjaya in their ranks to deliver the goods. While on the other side, England has got a pretty top-class unit in the form of Woakes, Olly Stone, Rashid and Moeen Ali.

Match Details:

Time – Sri Lanka vs England, 2nd ODI, October 13, 09:30 local time.

Venue – Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla

Pitch Conditions – The conditions would favour the batsmen on Dambulla Track. However, fast bowlers will also get some juice.

Weather Conditions – The forecast suggests rain is on the cards. Either it must be a rain-curtailed game or else, can be postponed to the reserve day.

Playing XI:

England: Eoin Morgan (c), Adil Rashid, Jos Buttler (wk), Jonny Bairstow, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, Liam Dawson, Chris Woakes, Moeen Ali, Joe Root, Olly Stone

Sri Lanka: Lasith Malinga, Upul Tharanga, Thisara Perera, Dinesh Chandimal (c), Nuwan Pradeep, Dhananjaya de Silva, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Kusal Perera, Dasun Shanaka, Akila Dananjaya, Lakshan Sandakan