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Sri Lanka v England, 2nd ODI at Colombo, Preview: Hosts look to continue domination over England

In the last game, England’s bowling attack seemed to be pretty weak.

If England can manage to handle the Sri Lankan spinners then the path will smoother for them © Getty Images
If England can manage to handle the Sri Lankan spinners properly, then the path will be easier for them © Getty Images

By Ayush Gupta

Nov 28, 2014

Sri Lanka will take on England in the second One-Day International (ODI) of the ongoing seven-match series on Saturday. The hosts won the first game by 25 runs and lead the 1-0 but the English team looked very competitive and they would look to push for a win the second game. It will be tough for both the teams to take field, as the entire cricketing fraternity is still in shock, because of the unfortunate demise of Phillip Hughes.

Sri Lanka, still healing from the wounds they suffered against India, are surely filled with anger and frustration out of the heavy defeat, and must be hungry to neutralise their humiliation with some solid performance at home. Sadly, it’s going to be England who would have to face the angry-hungry devils, especially in their own backyard where they are most vulnerable.

England themselves did not have a good year as they lost 12 of the 17 ODIs they have played this year so far. They eventually lost the opening game against Sri Lanka in the ongoing tour by just 25 runs. Despite being a close call, nevertheless a loss would surely mean a setback for them in the build-up to the World Cup, which is scheduled to get underway early next year in Australia and New Zealand.

With already a game down, England would surely look to strike back in the next game in Colombo. With the first game being a close contest, England has nothing much to get worried or feel sad about and can easily move into the next game with their heads high, as usual since they have all the ammunition and a wealth of talent to level things out and turn the page in their favour.

In the last game, England’s bowling attack seemed to be pretty weak as the Sri Lankan batsmen smacked them all over the park for a thumping total of 317. Although Chris Woakes, James Tredwell and Moeen Ali were among the wicket-takers, it was a part-timer medium-pacer, Ravi Bopara, who was the most economical, bowling four overs for just 15. Although he failed to claim any wicket, his economy of 3.75 reads pretty well and therefore, he should be given more time with the ball.

Similarly, in the batting department, it was Moeen Ali and Ravi Bopara, who stole the show scoring impressive 119 and 65 respectively. The only matter of concern is the middle order who failed to perform with two of their batsmen failing to reach the double figure. A stable middle order could surely see them scoring more runs and winning more matches.

Sri Lanka, on the other hand was pretty impressive with the bat, scoring a commendable 317, thanks to some brilliant batting by Tillakaratne Dilshan, Kusal Perera and Mahela Jayawardene who all scored above fifty. Frankly, there is no complaint in this department and it’s only a wonder how this order failed to perform against India.

Similarly, their bowling was impressive as well with most of the bowlers contributing and claiming at least a wicket. Thisara Perera being the most successful, claiming three for 44 is one of the best all-rounders Sri Lanka have got on their side, Sri Lanka would surely bank upon on him, apart from bowlers with the likes of Rangana Herath, Ajantha Mendis and many more.

Despite missing the services of Lasith Malinga – their prime bowler, Sri Lanka has still been impressive with the ball and would surely be a force in Colombo as well, unless and until the English batsmen come up with some brilliant batting display, especially from their middle order.

Squads:

England: Alastair Cook (c), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Ian Bell, Ravi Bopara, Jos Buttler (wk), Steven Finn, Harry Gurney, Alex Hales, Chris Jordan Eion Morgan, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, James Taylor, James Tredwell, Chris Woakes.

Sri Lanka: Angelo Mathews (c), Tillakaratne Dilshan, Kusal Perera (wk), Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Lahiru Thirimanne, Jeevan Mendis, Thilina Kandamby, Ragana Herath, Dilruwan Perera, Ajantha Mendis, Shaminda Eranga, Dhammika Prasad, Thisara Perera, Lahiru Gamage.

Time: 10:00 local | 04:30 GMT | 10:00 IST

(Ayush Gupta is a reporter at CricketCountry. A passionate supporter of Manchester United, he idolises Roger Federer)

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