England have taken the series already but Sri Lanka will not want to give up the fight after giving the hosts a few shocks in this Test engagement already.
The hosts have managed to get on top fairly early in each of the two Tests so far and that has proven to be the difference.
For the third and final Test, the stage is set at the Oval in London where Sri Lanka have not won since their solitary triumph at the ground in 1998.
England vs Sri Lanka | Third Test | Friday 6 September – Tuesday 10 September 2024 | The Oval, London | 12:00
England
England have endured their wobbles with the bat but have just about found enough from Joe Root to carry them through while the lower order have also made valuable contributions.
The hosts would still like to see more encouraging numbers for their opening batters but they have to be mindful that their home conditions are tough on the batters who face the new ball.
Gus Atkinson’s maiden Test hundred shows he brings much more than his bowling to the party and they will hope he keeps that up right through to the Ashes.
Chris Woakes has done a lot of damage to Sri Lanka without making too much noise about it and should add a few more scalps to his collection at the Oval.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka have been quizzed on why Kamindu Mendis has not been allowed to bat higher up the order but they may fear that his skills won’t have the same payoff if he has to bat earlier.
Only Root has scored more runs than Mendis in this series but he has lacked for assistance from the established batters and his efforts have been in vain.
Asitha Fernando has been as tough to play as any of the English bowlers in these conditions and he will once again be the bowler to watch in the Sri Lanka ranks.
Dinesh Chandimal is the only batter to pass fifty twice for Sri Lanka in this series and he looks like the player most likely to rack them up again at the Oval.
Verdict: England
England have been sharper when it has mattered throughout the series and Sri Lanka would need something really special to snatch something back at the last.
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