Top-of-the-world England out to battle conditions, spinners in Sri Lanka

Sweaty work. That’s what England are preparing themselves for over the next two months. While the Tests might last five days – in principle, at least – it is the one-dayers that players say really saps your reserves. Given the break-neck speed at which Eoin Morgan’s men play the game, fitness will truly be tested. Were it not for the conditions, this duel of eighth v first in the world would be no tough call.

Preparing for a World Cup at home with a series in Sri Lanka seems a bit hare-brained. But cricket tends to throw up these weird little situations. Case in point: the qualifiers for the upcoming Women’s World Twenty20 in the Caribbean were held in the Netherlands. Even boards tie themselves up in these knots. Remember when England prepared for the 2014 World T20 in Bangladesh with an ODI tour of West Indies?

Anyway, a slick, more attuned white-ball focus means no stone are left unturned. This tour, along with that of the Caribbean in the new year, is less about tactics and more about individuals’ will and decision-making.

Marginal calls have already been made by the selection committee, such as the decision to leave Sam Billings and James Vince at home: two players who in this World Cup cycle have had opportunities as top and middle-order alternates. Their times are not over, but they’re certainly not right now.

Those on tour, though, have opportunities to stake claims. Liam Plunkett’s impending nuptials opens the door for Warwickshire’s Olly Stone to crank it up. David Willey’s unfortunate back injury has opened the door for Sam Curran, who isn’t just a left-arm allrounder but also swings the new ball. Willey’s six-hitting ability is the main card he has over the Boy Wonder.

Perhaps the biggest plus England could take out of this month is the return of fitness, form and confidence to “senior pros” Chris Woakes and Mark Wood. Despite being the white-ball pack leader, Woakes did not feature in any of the ODIs this summer, while the Durham quick only managed seven wickets from the eight he played. Being at ease with a longer run up, more oomph and less strain on the joints are the key notes for him to hit.

Gone are the days of touring England sides coming to the sub-continent and refusing to take cues from their opponents. Sri Lanka’s four spin options are healthier in number but not necessarily experience. But there are two players going into this series that you feel need to fire to affect uncertainty in the touring party.

After the way India’s Kuldeep Yadav turned England over, one imagines Lakshan Sandakan, quicker through the air, will feature all the way through this tour. With the bat, Niroshan Dickwella has the aggression and unorthodoxy to knock even the most measured bowler off his rhythm. The left-hander is not approaching this series with any semblance of form, but given how under-cooked England are after just one warm-up, he might just turn it all around.

Of course, this could all be moot if Mother Nature has her way.

When: Sri Lanka vs England, 1st ODI, October 10, 2:30pm local time

Where: Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla

What to expect: Sri Lanka have not won at this ground in eight previous attempts. South Africa’s two performances earlier this year – chasing down 194 with five wickets and 19 overs to spare before getting a target of 245 with four wickets and 43 balls still in the chamber – suggests 350 in 50 overs is doable on this pitch should stars align. But the forecast will have an influence on the length and rhythm of this match. Remember – only the second (also at Dambulla) and fifth ODI (Colombo) have reserve days scheduled.

England

Eoin Morgan will wait to the very last moment to name his XI, given the likelihood of a reduced game here – heck, maybe even a 20-over affair. Perhaps the only certainty is that he’ll go in with three spinners. And a Curran, though reckon Sam’s left arm option wins out.

Probable XI: Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, Moeen Ali, Liam Dawson, Sam Curran, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood

Sri Lanka

Beyond maybe five definites, the rest of the spots in this side are up for grabs. There is also a chance that Sadeera Samarawickrama might make the final cut in a bit to enhance the batting.

Probable XI: Niroshan Dickwella, Kusal Perera, Upul Tharanga, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya De Silva, Dasun Shanaka, Thisara Perera, Akila Dananjaya, Lakshan Sandakan, Lasith Malinga, Nuwan Pradeep

Did you know:

– Sri Lanka’s last bilateral series win against a higher-ranked ODI side came against England in 2014 at home when they won by a 5-2 margin.

– Sri Lanka have lost seven of their last eight ODIs in Dambulla with one no-result. Their last win here coming in 2014 against Pakistan.

– Johnny Bairstow in 38 runs away from 2000 ODI runs. If he gets there in his next innings, he will be the joint sixth-fastest to do so – in 48 innings.
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