England v Sri Lanka Second T20 Tips: Wickets could tumble on tough batting track

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Thursday 17 September, 18:30
TV: Sky Sports

England v Sri Lanka second T20 team news

England dominated game one in Southampton but they are still expected to make changes to their line-up. It would be a surprise if they were not rotating their fast bowlers used in the Test series against Pakistan.

That means that Josh Tongue is likely to sit this one out with one from Jofra Archer or Gus Atkinson coming in. There is also the option of Saqib Mahmood getting a game. Pairing him with Sonny Baker further underlines the ridiculous pace strength the hosts have at their disposal.

Aneurin Donald should get another chance to make his mark, not that he didn't excite on debut. He hit a four and a six off his five balls. The ability, or confidence, to be that destructive is exactly what is required in modern T20 in the opening role. That sort of knock would not be considered a failure.

Harry Brook, of course, got the headlines with a 49-ball 114. It all looked too easy and one gets the feeling that the only threat to brook is Brook himself. Witness the lazy running which cost him an easy ton in the Edgbaston Test.

Probable XI: Buttler, Donald, Brook, Banton, Jacks, Cox, Overton, Dawson, Rashid, Tongue, Baker

Sri Lanka failed to be inspired by Pakistan's resurgence in Birmingham. It was a desperately disappointing (but not surprising) show after twin heavy defeats in warm-ups against the Lions.

They will probably stick with the same team as it's not clear where they go from here. They probably should find room for Janith Liyanage at some point but only Lahiru Udara of the batters would be considered vulnerable. In time they may add Liyanage's extra batting depth and ask him to bowl at the expense of one of the two pacers. But there's a lack of quality throughout the squad which hurts them rather than poor balance. Nuwan Thushara, another pacer, also comes in at some stage.

Probable XI: Nissanka, Mishara, Udara, Asalanka, Kamindu, Hasaranga, Wellalage, Theekshana, Chameera, Malinga

England v Sri Lanka second T20 pitch report 

The Cardiff pitch may be more suited to Sri Lanka. They are desperate to get their spinners into the game and it was no surprise that the Southampton surface didn't afford that opportunity. 

In T20 at Sophia Gardens we have seen stodgy and slow surfaces. Taking pace off has been key to try to restrict batters who like to hit through the line. The Hundred at this venue was characterised by low scores and it was rare that a punter would go overs.

The gamble, then, is to ask whether England's runs line could be overestimated. Messrs Theekshana, Wellalage and Hasaranga, plus part-timer Kamindu, could put a squeeze on. Not much would have to go right to play under England total runs while quite a lot would have to go wrong. We would expect England first-innings runs to be at least around the mid-190s mark with Sportsbook.

The weather forecast at the moment is good. A few clouds wouldn't be the most unwelcome bit of news.

England v Sri Lanka second T20 match prediction 

As stated in the preview for game one, Sri Lanka have a horrible record against England and a miserable recent run of form. It's 13 straight losses and 11 defeats in 16 respectively.

To buck the trend Sri Lanka need a leveller. A difficult wicket, toss bias or poor weather forecast are usually the ingredients. At least two are required. As stated, we think we have the former. In T20 there is a 57% bias for the side batting first.

Betting Sri Lanka to get the win is not advised but expecting a foothold if we're right about conditions is not the worst plan. Looking to halve their odds on the Exchange from 6.4011/2 is the plan. Double stakes on the lay button to have a profit on all outcomes. The caveat is that they have to have the bias with them.

If a trade is not for you, Sportsbook's over 13.5 wickets in the match is one for you. That's a market which suggests a decent batting track. We don't think we'll get that and we also have a poor Sri Lanka batting unit onside. No-one would be in the least surprised if they were bowled out again. Across the three games on tour so far they have lost 29 wickets.

England v Sri Lanka second T20 player tips 

Dunith Wellalage top-scored with 33 on a flat Southampton pitch. It wouldn't be a huge surprise, therefore, if we saw an even lower score win that market on a much more difficult track. There are two contenders who catch the eye to win at big prices lower down the order. Tharindu Ratnayake at 35s and Maheesh Theekshana at 90s both fit the bill. Wellalage is 35s for another win.

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