Eng v SL, 2nd ODI Preview: Both side aim to take lead after a crunch tie

It was a perfect start to the Royal London ODI series. Liam Plunkett smashed the final ball of the match for six as England tied a remarkable first ODI against Sri Lanka at Trent Bridge.

After a thriller in the opening game, both teams are set to clash yet again at the Birmingham. The series looks mouth-watering after the tied game. The Sri Lankans certainly looked prepared for the challenge and put up a great show before narrowly missing out on a win while the Englishmen, on the other hand, were definitely taken by surprise.

Sri Lanka:

The first ODI would have surely helped the confidence level surge in the visitor’s camp. After their 2-0 win over Ireland, they carried forward their winning momentum into the first game and stunned the opposition completely. Batting wise, Kusal Perera, Danusha Gunathilaka and Kusal Mendis need to more stable at the top. One match isn’t enough to judge a player but, if the attacking trio gets going then the Lankans can expect a strong total on the board. Seekuge Prasanna and Angelo Mathews continue to remain as the pillars of the Sri Lankan middle order.

But, unfortunately, the Sri Lankans might suffer a huge dent if their skipper, who picked up a hamstring strain in the last game, doesn’t recover and pass the fitness. Mathews’ absence will hurt Sri Lanka badly in both departments. To add to the problem, they don’t even have a like-to-like replacement for him.

If he is forced to sit out, then Milinda Siriwardana will most likely replace him with Chandimal taking over the leadership responsibility. Farveez Maharoof, who had not played an ODI against a full member nation since 2012, celebrated his comeback to the ODI squad with a good all-round performance and may retain his place without any doubt.

Probable XI:

Danuskha Gunathilaka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal (wk), Angelo Mathews (C)/Milinda Siriwardana, Sekkuge Prasanna, Upul Tharanga, Dasun Shanaka, Farvez Maharoof, Suranga Lakmal

England:

England must have now got a taste of Sri Lanka’s bowling capabilities in the 50 overs format. The batting order looked very fragile. But, batting still remains the advantage for England’s ODI squad. Logically, no such thing called tail-ender in their batting order. David Willey, a top order batsman for his club side, bats at No. 9. Liam Plunkett was a huge part of all the drama that unfolded the other day sits at No.10. Adil Rashid, too, has batting credentials.

Talking about weaknesses, a lot depends on the attacking pair of Jason Roy and Alex Hales. Joe Root will also be hoping for a turnaround after failing in the opening game. Jonny Bairstow wasn’t not able to perform in the way he did during the Test series. The bowler might want to be more effective during the middle overs.

Probable XI:

Jason Roy, Alex Hales, Eoin Morgan (C), Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler (wk), Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, David Willey, Liam Plunkett. Adil Rashid.

Stats:

• Alex Hales needs 34 runs to complete 1000 runs in ODI cricket.