SL vs ENG: England Begins White-Ball Campaign in Colombo

The England cricket team embarks on a new chapter, commencing a three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka in Colombo. This series marks a crucial step in their preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup, following a deeply disappointing Ashes campaign. The first ball is set to be bowled at 9:00 AM GMT.

Recent Developments & Team Changes

A late change sees Will Jacks replaced in the England squad by Rehan Ahmed due to illness. This adds another spin option to an already diverse bowling attack. The team reflects a desire for experimentation and a fresh approach after the Ashes debacle. England are currently eighth in the ODI rankings and need to secure automatic qualification for the 2027 World Cup, adding further significance to this series.

Live Updates: Sri Lanka vs. England – 1st ODI

• 1st Over: Jamie Overton opens the bowling for England, starting with a short ball to Nissanka, who responds with a smooth pull for two. Mishara gets off the mark with a cross-bat edge for four.
• 2nd Over: Sam Curran takes the new ball, delivering an inswinger defended by Nissanka. A sumptuous back-foot drive from Nissanka results in a beautiful four.
• 3rd Over: Overton concedes a leg-bye four and responds with a short ball, forcing Nissanka to adjust.
• 4th Over: Mishara punches Curran through extra cover for four, signaling a good pitch for batting.
• 5th Over: Overton bowls a tight over, conceding only one run.
• 6th Over: Mishara smashes Overton over midwicket for six!
• 7th Over: Sam Curran strikes! Nissanka is caught at mid-on, ending a promising innings.
• 8th Over: Liam Dawson continues to bowl accurately, conceding just five runs.
• 9th Over: Nissanka elegantly punches Dawson for four, showcasing his class.
• 10th Over: A touch of class from Nissanka, who stands tall to punch Dawson square on the off side for four.
• 11th Over: Sam Curran strikes with the moon ball! Nissanka drags a lusty heave to mid-on.
• 12th Over: Adil Rashid comes on for Liam Dawson. At 37 he has never bowled better – or with as much mischief.
• 13th Over: Rehan Ahmed, brought into the team at the last minute, replaces Sam Curran.
• 14th Over: Rashid bowls Mishara, a beautiful delivery hitting the stumps.
• 15th Over: Kusal Mendis glides Rehan Ahmed for successive boundaries.
• 16th Over: Rashid beats Kusal Mendis with a delicious flighted delivery.

Looking Ahead

This series presents an opportunity for England to rebuild confidence and experiment with their squad. With the T20 World Cup on the horizon, every match is crucial. The pressure is on for players to perform and secure their places in the final squad. The series also offers a chance to address the concerns raised during the Ashes, particularly in terms of team selection and tactical approach.

Teams

Sri Lanka: Nissanka, Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Dhananjaya, Asalanka (c), Liyanage, P Ratnayake, Wellalage, Madushan, Vandersay, Fernando.

England: Crawley, Duckett, Root, Bethell, Brook (c), Buttler (wk), S Curran, Rehan Ahmed, J Overton, Dawson, Rashid.

Stay tuned for further updates and analysis as the series unfolds!

ESPN Cricinfo provides comprehensive coverage of the series.