When and Where to Watch England vs Sri Lanka Live Streaming, Match Preview, Timings, and Pitch Report for 1st T20I

After losing the Test series against New Zealand 0-1, England are set for their home campaign against Sri Lanka. The T20I series against Kusal Perera and Co starts on Wednesday, June 23 at the Sophia Gardens in Cardiff.

Earlier this year, the Three Lions were involved in a jaw-dropping T20I series against India, though they lost the series 2-3 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. However, being the no.1 ranked T20I team, the Brits are expected to start as the favourites against the Lankans, who are placed eighth in ICC’s T20I team rankings.

Though going by history, both teams have thrown punches at each other in equal proportion, on current form, England seem to have the upper hand. However, Lanka can draw heart from the fact that they have beaten the Brits on their home soil in three out of four T20Is.

Back in March, Sri Lanka lost a three-match T20I series against the 10th ranked West Indies. In the meantime, the English camp has been dealt with concern after Jonny Bairstow sustained an ankle sprain during the T20 Blast.

But after scans on Thursday, he has been cleared of serious injury, though he remains uncertain for the opening T20I of the three-match series.

Playing combination for ENG vs SL

England

Jason Roy and Jos Buttler have been exceptional for England over the years and they are most likely to open the batting for the hosts. Both were exceptional in the tour of India earlier this year. The onus will also be on Dawid Malan, the ICC’s no.1 ranked T20I batter.

Eoin Morgan has blown a tad hot and cold in recent times and it remains to be seen how the veteran England captain performs. Moeen Ali has been in and out of the national team over the last 12 months and he’ll be looking to put forth a strong show.

Chris Jordan, being one of the all-time leading T20I wicket-takers, needs to step up as well. It will also be interesting to see the amount of turn Moeen and Adil Rashid gets from the surface. Liam Livingstone might get into the eleven after his impressive show on Indian soil.

Predicted XI

Jason Roy, Jos Buttler (wk), Jonny Bairstow/Sam Billings, Dawid Malan, Eoin Morgan (C), Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, Chris Jordan, Adil Rashid, Tom Curran/Mark Wood

Bench: Tom Curran/Mark Wood, Liam Dawson, Chris Woakes, Sam Billings/Jonny Bairstow, David Willey

Sri Lanka

Danushka Gunathilaka has been consistent for the Lankans in limited-overs cricket and he would be looking to give his team quick starts. Kusal Perera had a challenging time as the skipper on the Bangladesh tour and the southpaw would be looking to make amends.

Kusal Mendis has blown hot and cold in recent times and being a senior player, he needs to get his form back at the earliest. Wanindu Hasaranga has excelled with both bat and ball and he’s one of the players to watch out for in the shorter format.

Dushmantha Chameera bowled well in Bangladesh and he’d want to replicate something similar in England. The youngster is likely to have Nuwan Pradeep and Isuru Udana for a company in the pace bowling department. The others need to play their roles effectively as well.

Predicted XI

Danushka Gunathilaka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Perera (C and WK), Kusal Mendis, Oshada Fernando/Pathum Nissanka, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Isuru Udana, Akila Dananjaya, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Pradeep

Bench: Ramesh Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Ishan Jayaratne, Charith Asalanka, Chamika Karunaratne, Dhananjaya Lakshan, Asitha Fernando, Binura Fernando, Lakshan Sandakan, Praveen Jayawickrama, Oshada Fernando/Pathum Nissanka, Shiran Fernando, Niroshan Dickwella

ENG vs SL Head-to-Head

Overall

Played – 9 | England – 5 | Sri Lanka – 4 | N/R – 0

In England

Played – 4 | England – 1 | Sri Lanka – 3 | Draw – 0

ENG vs SL Broadcast Details

Match Timings – 10:30 PM IST, 06:00 PM local time

TV– Sony Sports Network

Online– Sony LIV