England is the best all-round side in all conditions, reckons Kumar Sangakkara

Former Sri Lankan cricketer Kumar Sangakkara rated the current English side as the best in the world across all formats. He believes that they have the best all-round combination and can outsmart any team in any conditions. Sri Lanka will be hosting England for 5 ODIs, 1 T20I and 3 Tests and the tour will begin on 5th October.

He also complimented the batting lineup and the all-rounders England have at disposal. With their ability to bat very deep in the middle order, they certainly have a chance to outclass the hosts and register a famous away series win. He also urged the Lankan camp to attack the batsman who will be replacing Alastair Cook in the side.

“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-round side in world cricket without a doubt, in any conditions. They have allrounders down to no. 10 – they bat very deep.”

“They have a settled batting line-up, which they haven’t changed. They have strokemakers 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 an interview with ESPN Cricinfo.

Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid will be a major threat: Sangakkara

Apart from complimenting Adil Rashid and Moeen Ali, the legendary Lankan batsman reckons that the onus will be on Rangana Herath to do the job for his side. This English side will be posing a serious challenge for the hosts and for the Lankans to stay on level terms with them, they will have to bring their A game.

“They have very good spinners in Adil Rashid and Moeen Ali. Rashid in Sri Lankan conditions will become a very potent threat. They have bowlers who know how 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.”

“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,” Sangakkara opined.

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