 In
the one-off T20I that will be played at Bristol, England will play Sri
Lanka on June 25. The English side won the Test series 1-0, and will be looking
to ensure that they can make it to a win in this one-off T20I as well.
The interesting news is that the absence of Tillakaratne Dilshan has
meant that the Sri Lankan side will be led by Thilina Kandamby. Dilshan's problem
is his fractured thumb which has meant that he is out of the series for now.
It has been said that Dilshan may make a comeback to the side in the ODIs.
Click for Live Score Card of England Vs Sri Lanka
However, the good news is that Sanath Jayasuriya is back and not only
that, he played a vital part in Sri Lanka's win over their county opponents
in the 50-over warm up game that was played. His half century proved to be the
cornerstone of the Sri Lankan win and now, the Lankans will hope that he can
continue to provide a similar kind of a start against the world champions in
T20 cricket.
Jayasuriya will open the innings, in all probability with Mahela Jayawardene,
who is used to opening the innings in the T20 format of the game before Dilshan
makes a comeback into the game.
The good news again for the Sri Lankans is that both Angelo Mathews and Jeevan
Mendis have stuck form in this smaller format of the game and that should allow
the side to go in with many choices to make.
England will have a new captain, vice-captain and a set-up. They axed Paul
Collingwood and have got in Stuart Broad as the captain of the side.
On the other hand, they have also named Eoin Morgan as the vice captain
of the side and that will mean that they will look to ensure that they can target
the next T20 World Cup as something to improve their chances of defending their
title that they had won last year.
England will need Broad to regain his form. There has been a lot of pressure on
him and for now, he has not been able to come back too well from his injury. He
will now be leading the side as well and could need to lead from example.
England will be favourites to win this game but it will need to be seen how Sri Lanka respond to this game and the change in format after having lost in the Tests.
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