Sri Lanka vs England, 5th ODI Preview: It is England fighting against Rain to extend series lead

This series has literally been a contest between England and the rain. The rain gods have either made the match interesting by cutting through the overs or washed it out altogether. Taking nothing away from Sri Lanka, a lot was not expected of them given how things transpired in the Asia Cup that preceded this series.

Eoin Morgan & Co. have an option to either rest most of their performing players and test the others or go for another kill since it has been very little game time in the series anyway. There is a good possibility that rain will make an appearance in the game; there is, in fact, a forecast for a thunderstorm later in the day. In such a case the game will continue on Wednesday, the reserve day for the final ODI.

Team Combinations

Sri Lanka

Where the Lankans are they would want to build upon the positives as they are fewer in number. They are expected to make a couple of changes in the side as well with the underperforming players making way for those who seem to have a better prospect.

A lot will still depend on how the batting line-up performs, they will have to bat out of their skins to post a total that challenges England. For that to happen the likes of Niroshan Dickwella, skipper Dinesh Chandimal and Thisara Perera have to convert.

At this point in time, what’s par to Sri Lanka is a stroll for the English batting. Akila Dhananjaya has been the only one who has delivered. The spinner has bowled his heart out with little qualitative assistance from the rest.

Predicted XI: Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Dinesh Chandimal (C),  Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka, Thisara Perera, Akila Dananjaya, Amila Aponso, Lasith Malinga, Dushmantha Chameera

England

Morgan should use this game as an opportunity rather to give the guys a game. The likes of Sam Curran, Mark Wood, Liam Plunkett even Joe Denly will benefit from game time. He can himself sit out and let Jos Buttler bat higher up the order and also lead the team. Given the fact that Morgan has been the key run-scorer for the team and already nailed his authority.

There is not much to talk about this team as they have a unit for all occasions and conditions. Heading into the World Cup it will all depend on how they do on the big nights. Talent, ability, exposure wise they are already the top team.

Predicted XI: Alex Hales, Joe Denly, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan (C), Jos Buttler (wk), Moeen Ali, Sam Curran/Mark Wood, Tom Curran, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood

Focus will be on

Akila Dhananjaya (Sri Lanka):

The off-spinner has picked up five wickets in the series so far but apart from the 2nd ODI has been very economical and given his team crucial breakthroughs. With some more assistance from the other bowlers, he will certainly thrive and deliver much superior performances. It will be interesting to see if he finds any in this game.

Sam Curran (England):

If Sam Curran gets a game here, will be exciting to see how he takes up this challenge having made quite a name for himself in the longer format of the game. He is an exceptional talent and has the ability to deliver with the bat as well. Going into the World Cup having a left-arm seamer who can also tonk the ball lower down in the order will be a real blessing for England.

Stat Attack:

4936 – Joe Root is 64 runs short of the 5000-run mark in ODI cricket

7922 – Dinesh Chandimal has to score 78 runs to achieve the 8000-run milestone in his International career

Head to Head

Overall

Matches – 72 | Sri Lanka Won – 34; England Won – 35 | N/R – 2, Tie- 1

In Sri Lanka

Matches – 24 | Sri Lanka Won – 15; England Won – 8 | N/R – 1

Broadcast Details

TV – Sony Six, Sony Six HD

Live streaming– Sony LIV

Match Timings – 14:30 IST

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