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Thursday 22 October, 09.00
TV: Sky Sports
England v Sri Lanka ODI team news
England were beaten in game one against Pakistan despite benefitting from the Rawalpindi toss bias. Beaten probably isn't the strongest word, though. It was a humbling by 87 runs in a chase which was hardly stiff.
It could be put down to a sluggish start after travel and acclimatisation. Or something more serious with spinner Araft Minhas taking six wickets.
Arafat's performance may cause a change in selection policy. Sam Curran or Jamie Overton as the pace-bowling all-rounder could come under pressure if England increasingly think the Pindi pitch takes turn. Liam Dawson stands by.
There may also be a pace rotation policy in place. Josh Tongue plays at some stage. Sonny Baker and Gus Atkinson were in position for game one.
Possible XI: Duckett, Banton, Root, Brook, Cox, Jacks, Dawson, J Overton, Atkinson, Rashid, Tongue
Sri Lanka are kicking themselves that they didn't get up in the chase in the first game of the tri-series. Janith Liyanage and Pavan Rathnayake had the game in their pocket at 210 for four in the 38th going after 305.
But England's defeat may also cause a change in tactic for the Lankans. Sachindu Colombage's leggies have already caused England problems in the summer and he should be paired with Dunith Wellalage, who has the same spin style as Arafat. Dilshan Madushanka or Eshan Malinga could be the ones to miss out.
Pathnum Nissanka has been ruled out of the series so Avishka Fernando and Kamindu Mendis should continue their opening jobs. Kamindu could well get a bowl as he is also a slow left-arm spinner, like Arafat.
Possible XI: Avishka, Kamindu, Kusal, Rathanayake, Arachighe, Liyanage, Shanaka, Wellalage, Colombgae, Malinga. Madushanka, Asitha
England v Sri Lanka ODI pitch report
This is the third match at Pindi with the tri-series to move on to Lahore from game four. The toss bias has not borne fruit yet with England being only the third team in nine not to benefit.
The wicket does look pretty good for batting with Pakistan recovering consistently from top-order wickets to post 302. As sated before, busting 300 should be the minimum.
Betfair Sportsbook go over 291.5 first-innings runs at 5/61.84 and that is a tempting play. Despite the bias, England may well be keen to bat first and go hell for leather.
England v Sri Lanka ODI match prediction
Sri Lanka, surely, have to hit England with an army of spin. It is time for revenge following their series defeat in the summer when conditions suited the hosts. The boot may be on the other foot.
At Leeds, Sri Lanka beat England on a spin-friendly pitch, defending 321. Wellalage took three wickets to turn the game. That is the blueprint.
A word of caution, though. In Sri Lanka's home series at the start of the year England won 2-1 when they were expected to have a much rougher time on dustbowls with spinners dominating.
The best play could the Sri Lanka trade on the Betfair Exchange. They should be competitive here.
On the Betfair Exchange they are priced at 3.5551/20. Planning for them to make this a choice affair is fine but going for a couple of points off to then hit the lay button at 2.5531/20 with an extra 50% on the stake is not the worst plan.
England v Sri Lanka ODI player tips
Joe Root is on a four-game streak without a 50 in ODI. That is his longest sequence without a half-salute in two years. There doesn't appear to be anything technically wrong. But a disappointing end to the summer in terms of returns has continued.
It is worth keeping faith, however, on the top-bat market. He is well overdue a win and it is rare we get to side with such an elite performer with the law of averages in our favour. Betfair Sportsbook's 3/14.00 is the bet. The 9/25.50 that he wins top match bat is not the worst.
Wellalage is a runner for top Sri Lanka bowler given that Leeds form and what Arafat did to England. He is 7/24.50 to take most wickets spinning the ball away from the right handers.
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