Sri Lanka Will Have Their Work Cut Out Against England - Kumar Sangakkara

Former legendary Sri Lankan batsman Kumar Sangakkara believes that his team will have their work cut out against a potent England side. In fact, England is at the top of the ICC ODI Rankings whereas Sri Lanka sits at the eighth place in the table. Sri Lanka and England will lock horns in a five-match ODI series. The first ODI will take place on 10th October.

Meanwhile, England has played some competitive cricket in the recent past. In fact, they have played some fearless cricket and thus they have reaped fruits for the same.

Sri Lanka will like to get back some confidence.

On the other hand, Sri Lanka could not even clear the group stages of the recently concluded Asia Cup. They were knocked out of the tournament in the group stages.

“It’s going to be a tough series for Sri Lanka against an England side, who I think will be well adapted to any conditions we play them under. I think they are the best all-around side in world cricket without a doubt, in any conditions. They have all-rounders down to No.10 – they bat very deep. They have a settled batting line-up, which they haven’t changed. They have stroke-makers and batsmen who can knuckle down. Since Alastair Cook has left, they’ll have a new opening combination, so whoever comes in there, Sri Lanka can target,” Sangakkara said in a conversation with ESPNcricinfo.

Meanwhile, Sri Lankan conditions will assist the spinners. Thus, Sangakkara believes England have a potent spin battery in Adil Rashid and Moeen Ali. In fact, Ali was the game-changer in the fourth Test match against India.

“They have very good spinners in Adil Rashid and Moeen Ali. Rashid in Sri Lankan conditions will become a very potent threat,” said Sangakkara. “They have bowlers who know have to reverse swing as well, so they’re bringing a very, very strong unit. They have the ability to adapt because if they want to play three spinners, they can play three spinners.

Herath is going to hold the key.

In fact, Sri Lanka was able to get the better of South Africa in the two-match Test series. Thus they would like to repeat their performance against the English team. Kumar Sangakkara thinks Rangana Herath is going to hold the key.

“They can play an extra seamer if they want, without really compromising on their batting. Sri Lanka will have to be on the top of their game. A lot will depend on Rangana Herath and our batsmen’s ability to post a good first-innings total.”

There is no doubt that England is going to hold an edge in the limited overs series. However, Sri Lanka will hold the home advantage in the Test matches.