Sri Lanka v England Second ODI Tips: Bet on spin to win

• Sri Lanka show their class in game one

• England still haunted by spin in Asia
• RPS pitch is not getting any better to bat on
• Rashid and Hasaranga bets in second dig
• Expect collapse after 25 overs

Sri Lanka v England
Saturday 24 January, 09.00
TV: Live on TNT

Sri Lanka v England second ODI team news

Sri Lanka can get stronger if they can get Wanindu Hasaranga on the park. He had a medical issue pre-series but there was no suggestion from the home camp that he was not fit to play in game one.

Pavan Rathnayake, a top-order batter, was his replacement but he was asked to bat at No 6. Using Kamindu Mendis instead would make more sense as he would also offer a spin threat. Sri Lanka are likely to bowl even more spin than in the first match.

Possible SL XI: Nissanka, Mishara, Kusal, Asalanka, Dhananjaya, Liyanage, Kamindu/Hasaranga, Wellalage, Vandersay, Asitha, Madushan

England produced the sort of batting performance that has charcaterised their efforts in Asia for decades. Start well, spin comes on, have a meltdown. They lost their last eight wickets for 84.

But even with Ben Duckett and Joe Root building a platform, the run rate was creeping up. They must surely make changes to their XI to adapt. Jamie Overton's bowling style is not suited to the surface and his 23-run final over was perhaps the difference. Will Jacks, if recovered from illness, looks certain to replace him.

The visitors, though, may want two pacers so Brydon Carse could come into the reckoning. To get Carse and Jacks into the team, Zak Crawley is the obvious one to chop. Jacks or Jos Buttler could open. 

England possible XI: Jacks, Duckett, Root, Brook, Bethell, Buttler, S Curran, Rehan, Carse, Dawson, Rashid

Sri Lanka v England second ODI pitch report

We go again at the RPS so another slow, low surface is expected. The 12-month form was clear about what to expect. Before the opener the first-innings scores in four games were: 248, 244, 281 and 214. All were defended with the chaser bowled out. Sri Lanka's 271, in that context, was a very impressive return, and put England under pressure.

Sportsbook's total match runs quote for England at 256.5 is high but this is a pitch to exploit in-play. Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka gave a huge clue when he said the pitch will turn after 25 overs. That is the time to start shorting runs. It is expected to be a struggle to add more than 100 from that stage so bet accordingly. There could be cheap lays available on the innings runs market.

Sri Lanka v England second ODI match prediction

Sri Lanka were outsiders at 2.226/5 and were similar odds even at the break. The markets seem to have wised up quickly, though, with the hosts now at 1.991/1 and a probable choice affair in the offing.

It remains true that Sri Lanka should be the clear favourites so there is nothing wrong with a pre-toss bet on them with England terrible value at 1.875/6. The form guide should not be ignored. Sri Lanka have won 14 of their last 17 at home, England have lost seven of their last 11.

To be extra sure, we will back Sri Lanka if they bat first. It's now five-straight wins for the side batting first. There is minimal pressure on the team batting first because they know a score of 260 should be more than enough. Sensible batting is all that is required and then let the spinners do the rest. 

Sri Lanka v England second ODI player bets

Hasaranga has a 31% win rate on top bowler for Sri Lanka in the last two years so the 11/43.75 makes sense. He should be particularly dangerous in the second innings where 36 of the last 50 wickets to fall have gone to spin. For England, Adil Rashid's class and experience is crucial and he has little to rival him in that context for top bowler at the same price. Both can be backed in-play with Sportsbook so you have the second dig onside. 

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