Why are Harry Brook and Chamika Karunaratne not playing in ICC World Cup 2023, match 25 between England and Sri Lanka?

England and Sri Lanka are set to collide in an important clash in the ODI World Cup 2023 on Thursday, in Bengaluru. The two captains, Jos Buttler and Kusal Mendis announced some wholesale changes to their respective playing XIs at the toss. The defending champions brought in Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali, and Chris Woakes in place of Harry Brook, Gus Atkinson, and the injured Reece Topley. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka dropped Dushan Hemantha and Chamika Karunaratne to bring Lahiru Kumara and the experienced Angelo Mathews into their playing XI

More to Follow: ODI World Cup 2023, Match 25, ENG vs SL Live Updates

For the unversed, Topley broke his left index finger during England's previous game against South Africa and was subsequently ruled out of the tournament. He was replaced by Brydon Carse in the 15-man squad. On the other hand, Angelo Mathews replaced Matheesha Pathirana, who was ruled out of the prestigious event due to a shoulder injury.

Mathews, who is a former Sri Lankan captain, is set to play his fourth ODI World Cup. This is certainly a momentous occasion for the 36-year-old, who was initially left out of the side. His all-round expertise and truckloads of experience will certainly hold the former champions in good stead.

What did the captains say at the toss?

Jos Buttler opted to bat first and reckoned that the pitch looked a bit dry. He emphasised putting up a good total on the board. Kusal Mendis also said that he would have batted first if he had won the toss. The in-form wicketkeeper-batter also spoke about his experience leading the Sri Lankan side. Speaking of Mathews, Mendis said that he is the most experienced guy in the team and hoped he would do well in the game.

Jos Buttler: We are going to bat first. Looks a good wicket, little bit drier but we will look to put up a good score. We have been short of our best, we have done enough talking and it is about performing. We have stayed very level as a group, there is some frustration around for not playing as well as we could but there is quality in the team individually and collectively. Throughout the team (there needs to be contributions). We have three changes - Topley has returned home with a broken finger, Woakes, Moeen and Livingstone come in. Atkinson misses out, Brook is out and we have changed our combination.

Kusal Mendis: Pitch is good and we were looking to bat first as well. I am enjoying the captaincy. There are players who are advicing me and supporting me. The last match we did well with bat and ball. Very important game, we need a good start with the ball and if we get that then we can manage the game. He (Mathews) comes into the team, most experienced guy in the team and hopefully he does well today. Angelo and Kumara are playing.

Also Check: ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 Teams & Squads

England (Playing XI): Jonny Bairstow, Dawid Malan, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler(W/C), Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, David Willey, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood

Sri Lanka (Playing XI): Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis(W/C), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Angelo Mathews, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara, Dilshan Madushanka