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Sri Lanka vs England: Third Test Preview

Cricket ball sits on pitch

England have wrapped up a first away series win in over two years and deserve credit for that, but Sri Lanka must bear some of the blame for a home series defeat.

Sri Lanka have been unable to make the swings of momentum stick in their favour, while England have a new found resilience on the road.

Sri Lanka vs England | 23 – 27 November | Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo 

To Win Match
Sri Lanka 2/1
Draw 3/1
England 1/1

Sri Lanka 
Sri Lanka have found it hard going against the English attack on their own patch – and their own middle-order collapses ceded the series to the tourists. If they are to salvage some pride, Sri Lanka will need to dominate England with bat and ball.

A lack of killer instinct with the ball and over-reliance on Akila Dananjaya to take wickets was exposed in Kandy – and Sri Lanka might bring in the mystery element of Lakshan Sandakan, who has shown the ability to run through the tail.

Sri Lanka’s inability to settle on a batting order hasn’t helped the top order put their best foot forward, but senior players Angelo Mathews and Dimuth Karunaratne will need to rally the troops around them to earn any consolation.

Suranga Lakmal’s winning streak as captain was snapped in this series – and he has found leadership much tougher against the plucky English than his battles with the West Indies and South Africa.

The weather remains a constant threat to play during this season, but we should get enough cricket in for a result.

England
England have already named their team for the final Test, bringing Jonny Bairstow in as a specialist batsman in place of all-rounder Sam Curran, who has a mild side strain, while Stuart Broad makes his first appearance of the series in place of the rested Jimmy Anderson.

Keaton Jennings’ ton in the first Test appears to have secured his place at the top of the England order for the time being, while Rory Burns has shown promise without completely nailing down his place.

England have sacrificed a seamer to reinforce their batting on what could be the biggest turner of the series.

Their spinners have caused Sri Lanka plenty of problems, though, with Jack Leach leading the attack and Moeen Ali providing brilliant back-up.

It has been an important series for Joe Root, who ended an away losing streak as well as a long run without a Test century in Kandy. He will want to complete a whitewash to put the cherry on the top.

Verdict: England 1/1
Sri Lanka might turn things around in Colombo, but they appear to be a side in shambles. England will be motivated to complete the whitewash to establish themselves as an elite side.

Written by Jonhenry Wilson for Hollywoodbets

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