Sri Lanka vs. England 2021 : Spin to Win || 1st Test
Sri Lanka vs. England 2021
1st Test – Thu, 14th January
Broken Lankans:
International cricket is back in Sri Lanka, with the Lanka eyeing to get over their damage against South Africa earlier this campaign. But we can ignore those outcomes because their genuinely dreadful away from them is not replicated, as you would presume, in their home conditions.
Despite being damaged with injury concerns, Sri Lanka was able to show sights of their talent with the duo of Wanindu Hasaranga and Dasun Shanaka impressing with ball and bat.
With Suranga Lakmal and Angelo Mathews’ return to the roster, the Sri Lankans will be looking to return to winnings though they are in for a tough challenge in the Englishmen’s form.
Possible playing XI: Dimuth Karunaratne (C), Kusal Perera, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dilruwan Perera, Kusam Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Niroshan Dickwella (WK), Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka, Lahiru Kumara/Vishwa Fernando and Suranga Lakmal.
Gutted Englishmen:
Even before a Covid verdict took out Moeen Ali and isolated Chris Woakes, England was not full-power. Although they have rested Jofra Archer and Ben Stokes for this tour, England has enough potential in their squad to compete against the home side, Sri Lanka.
With the right blend of youth and senior players, England will want a winning start to their subcontinent time. Trying to interpret the wicket will not have made it any easier. We know that Dom Sibley, along with Zak Crawley, will open Jonny Bairstow at number three, and Dan Lawrence is probably to make his debut.
Possible playing XI: Dominic Sibley, Zak Crawley, Jos Buttler (WK), Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root (C), Daniel Lawrence, Sam Curran, Stuart Broad, Dom Bess, Jack Leach, and James Anderson.
The venue, Pitch Report, and Toss Prediction:
The first Test between Sri Lanka and England is set to be played at the Galle International Cricket Stadium, starting on 14th January Thursday.
As is the instance with most wickets in Sri Lanka, the spin will play a vital role with either team carrying a spin-heavy line-up ahead of this encounter. While there will be some swing to find early in the innings, the spin bowlers should get the ball to move on the surface, keeping the batsmen on their toes.
The batters could benefit from taking a thoughtful approach against the spinners, though it could go either way. Neither side will be wanting to bat on Day 4 or Day 5, which may push them into batting first upon winning the toss.
Bat First Win First:
The Lankans are 3.15, England 2.50, and the draw is also 3.00. If you think England is a gamble before the toss, then it’s harmless to say that this isn’t the match for you.
Apart from the heavy toss bias, which assures a substantial chunk of the side batting price, England has a dreadful record in the first Test of an away test series. They have lost five games out of six. Guess where a win was registered? In Sri Lanka and they batted first.
If England manages to win the toss and opt to bat, they should be the picks. But they will perhaps be odds on. If Sri Lanka bat first on winning the toss, they should be the winner. But they will possibly only be cut to what England is as of now.
Spin Players will be the Stars:
Joe Root, Zak Crawley and Lawrence are the finest spin players in the England roster. With the subcontinental spin-friendly pitch conditions, they should play big at hands in winning the game. Root at this price is a jolly swerve. His knock should be the game-changer.
For Sri Lanka, veteran batsman Angelo Mathews is the key player. His presence brings a sense of confidence to the team. And his bat shall do the talking at home ground.
