Sri Lanka vs England – 2nd Test Match Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Sri Lanka vs England taking place? Friday, January 22nd, 2021 – 04:30 (UK)
Where is Sri Lanka vs England taking place? Galle International Stadium
What is the expected weather for Sri Lanka vs England? 28-29c with a risk of thundery showers on Saturday especially but play on other days should be fine other than early bad light
What channel is Sri Lanka vs England on? The match will be televised live on Sky Sports Cricket (Sky channel 404)
Where can I stream Sri Lanka vs England? The match can be streamed live via SkyGo
Where can I get tickets for Sri Lanka vs England? This match will be played without spectators
LAST MEETING
England beat Sri Lanka by 7 wickets
THE TEAM NEWS
SRI LANKA
- Sri Lanka were incredibly poor in the first innings with the bat and pretty poor with the ball for most of England’s first innings too but despite defeat, they will take heart from their response in the second innings where they showed good character to battle away.
- After breaking a run of four consecutive ducks, Kusal Mendis may get another reprieve but the 15 runs in the second innings was hardly a sign of much improvement so his position is clearly under threat so Oshada Fernando could be in line for a return if he has recovered from his ankle injury.
- Dilruwan Perera produced some mixed bowling but probably did enough to retain his place in the side although they could be tempted to go with another out-and-out spin option rather than all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga who was not overly effective so Lakshan Sandakan could well come into the side.
ENGLAND
- England picked up a comprehensive victory and despite a mini second innings wobble which saw them fall to 14/3 chasing just 74, they eased to victory to go 1-0 up in the two-Test series in a game they controlled for long spells.
- Spinners Jack Leach and Dom Bess combined for 14 wickets and enjoyed the conditions so they will be key once again but they are likely to rotate their pace bowlers with Olly Stone expected to be handed a start at the expense of Mark Wood who is likely to be rested.
- If they decide to rotate further given they have plenty of options, then James Anderson and Chris Woakes could come in for Stuart Broad and Sam Curran while Moeen Ali is another candidate if they want another good spin option.
THE PREDICTION
This second Test in Galle promises to be another intriguing match as while Sri Lanka were abysmal in the first couple of days of the first Test, they fought back strong as the game went on. They will be motivated to put in a much-improved display here with bat and ball and they certainly have the quality to do so. Whether that will be enough remains to be seen however as England really dominated and killed the game in the first two days. If they can score heavily enough in the first innings, that should put the tourists under much more pressure. There were signs that England were struggling somewhat when bowling for almost 137 overs in the second innings in hot conditions so rotations could well benefit them in this game. It would be no surprise to see a much closer game here but England still have to be favoured to have the all-round edge to win the game.
