Sri Lanka vs England, 2nd Test, Preview - Brits look to continue to dominance in the longer format

Sri Lanka bagged a massive embarrassment in the first Test against England. They lost to the visitors by a massive margin of 211 runs. With no Rangana Herath, the hosts are now set to face the Brits in the second Test starting from Wednesday. However, it wouldn’t be an easy task for them given the kind of form England is in at the moment.

England has played some great cricket in the first Test. After they were intimidated early on in that match, England recovered brilliantly and staged a great fightback to completely decimate the opposition. They will hope to carry the momentum forward and win the second Test with Sri Lanka seemingly in troubled territories at the moment.

The home side’s batting hasn’t lived up to the expectations and the absence of Herath will also weaken the bowling lineup slightly. Furthermore, skipper Dinesh Chandimal will be missing the game due to a groin injury. To make things worse, Lahiru Kumara has been dropped from the squad for breaking the team curfew and Akila Dhananjaya was reported of a faulty bowling action although he is available to play.

Team Combinations

Sri Lanka

The hosts have got quite a few problems to deal with. Vice-captain Suranga Lakmal will be leading the side for this match. Either of Lakshan Sandakan or Pushpakumara might be coming into the XI in place of Rangana Herath. Charith Asalanka, who was added to the squad might have to wait a little longer to make his debut. Roshen Silva will be getting a chance in place of the ruled out skipper.

Predicted XI: Dimuth Karunaratna, Kaushal Silva, Dhananjaya de Silva, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Roshen Silva, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Dilruwan Perera, Akila Dhananjaya, Suranga Lakmal (c), Lakshan Sandakan/Pushpakumara.

England

The England team has already announced its playing XI for the second Test. The surprise move is that the fit-again Jonny Bairstow will have to warm the bench as Ben Foakes is to continue in the XI. He bailed the side out of some serious trouble in the first Test and was very good behind the stumps. They have also rejigged the batting order slightly. Ben Stokes will bat at number three and Moeen Ali, who failed at the same position, will go back to bat at number six.

Playing XI: Rory Burns, Keaton Jennings, Ben Stokes, Joe Root (c), Jos Buttler, Moeen Ali, Ben Foakes (wk), Sam Curran, Adil Rashid, Jack Leach, James Anderson.

Focus will be on

Angelo Mathews (Sri Lanka)

Angelo Mathews will be the key man for Sri Lanka for the upcoming game. He is the senior-most and will have to take more responsibility with Dinesh Chandimal not around. Mathews scored fifties in both the innings of the first Test but failed to convert them into big ones. The onus will be on this all-rounder to score the big runs and help his team challenge the opposition.

Ben Foakes (England)

After the impressive debut, England decided to opt for him ahead of Jonny Bairstow. Hence, there will be a lot of pressure on the young man. He will have to shoulder the additional responsibility and repay the faith that the management has kept on him. Being a good player of spin should be an added advantage for him and he will be eager to prove his abilities, yet again.

Head to Head

Matches – 32 | Sri Lanka won – 8 | England – 13

Broadcast Details

TV – Sony Six and Sony Six HD

Live Streaming – Sony LIV

Match Timings – 10:00 IST and local

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