SRI vs ENG Prediction, 11Wickets Fantasy Cricket Tips: Playing XI, Pitch Report and Injury Update – England Tour Of Sri Lanka 2021, 1st Test

Match Details:

The 1st Test of 2-match Test series between Sri Lanka and England will be played at the Galle International Stadium in Galle.

The match is scheduled to start at 10:00 AM local time and IST. The match can be watched on Sony Sports Network and will be streamed on Sony Liv.

Preview:

As it is coming to its conclusion, the race for the finals of 2019-21 ICC World Test Championship is hotting up. England are placed fourth currently, but they will have a great chance of climbing up the ladder if they can register wins in their series against Sri Lanka.

The Lankans are not in a good run of form, as they lost both of their Tests in South Africa. However, they will be boosted by the addition of some big names, who are returning from injuries. On the other hand, many big names for the England side are missing because of various reasons. Hence, this match is going to be an evenly balanced affair.

SRI vs ENG Weather Report for 1st Test:

While the first day of the Test will be bright and sunny, there are predictions of rain for all of the next four days. In that case, a draw might be the most plausible result.

Pitch Report:

The pitch will help the batsmen initially, but bowlers will get into the act after the first few days. Spinners are likely to be more successful than the pacers.

Average first innings score:

394 (Last 5 Tests played here)

Record of chasing teams:

Won – 1, Lost – 4 Tied – 0

Injury and Availability News:

Moeen Ali is unavailable for this game as he tested positive for COVID-19. Chris Woakes is unlikely to feature as he came in close contact with Ali and had to quarantine, hence reducing his match practice. 

Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal and Suranga Lakmal have all recovered from their injuries and are available for selection. 

SRI vs ENG Today’s Probable Playing XIs:

Sri Lanka:

Dimuth Karunaratne (C), Dinesh Chandimal, Lahiru Thirimanne, Kusal Perera, Niroshan Dickwella, Angelo Mathews, Wanindu Hasaranga, Suranga Lakmal, Vishwa Fernando, Dilruwan Perera, Dasun Shanaka.

Bench:

Ashitha Fernando, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka, Kasun Rajitha, Minod Bhanuka, Lasith Embuldiyena, Dhananjaya de Silva, Oshada Fernando, Santhush Gunathilake.

England:

Zac Crawley, Joe Root (C), Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Dom Sibley, Dom Bess, Daniel Lawrence, Jack Leach, Mark Wood, James Anderson.

Bench:

Stuart Broad, Chris Woakes, Olly Stone.

SRI vs ENG Top Picks for Today’s 11Wickets Match:

In the last Test series against Pakistan, Jos Buttler proved why his brilliance is not only restricted to T20Is and ODIs. He scored 265 runs in that series.

James Anderson was brilliant with the ball in that specific series, as he picked up 11 wickets from 3 games. He can be a good captaincy or vice-captaincy pick from the bowlers.

Joe Root might have had a poor series against Pakistan, but his career numbers prove why is a safe bet for captaincy. He is less than 200 runs shy from scoring 8000 runs in Test cricket.

Sam Curran has only played 19 Tests, but he has already established himself as one of England’s most important players. He has scored 700+ runs and picked up 41 wickets in Test cricket.

Wanindu Hasaranga was impressive against the Proteas, as he scored 122 runs and also picked up 4 wickets. His all-round skills can earn you a lot of points.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Captain Options – Jos Buttler, Joe Root

Vice-Captain Options – James Anderson, Sam Curran

Suggested Playing XI No.1 for SRI vs ENG for 11Wickets Fantasy Cricket:

Keeper – Jos Buttler

Batters – Dinesh Chandimal, Dom Sibley, Joe Root (C), Jonny Bairstow

All-Rounders – Wanindu Hasaranga, Sam Curran (VC), Dasun Shanaka

Bowlers – Suranga Lakmal, Jack Leach, James Anderson

12th Man – Kusal Perera

Suggested Playing XI No.2 for SRI vs ENG for 11Wickets Fantasy Cricket:

Keeper – Jos Buttler (C), Kusal Perera

Batters – Dimuth Karunaratne, Angelo Mathews, Joe Root, Zak Crawley

All-Rounders – Dilruwan Perera, Sam Curran

Bowlers – Vishwa Fernando, Dom Bess, James Anderson (VC)

12th Man – Wanindu Hasaranga

Expert Advice:

Off-spinner Dom Bess has picked up 19 wickets in just 10 Test matches. With the pitch at Galle likely to help spinners, Bess can be a great budget pick at 8 Cr.

Today’s SRI vs ENG Probable Winners:

A draw is expected in this match.

Note: Updated Fantasy teams and Playing XIs of every match will be provided in our Telegram channel if the information is available.

Disclaimer: This team is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.