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Cricket: Cook’s ban a blessing in disguise?

As far as one match cricket bans go Alastair Cook’s is actually quite convenient.  The captain has been forced to sit the fourth match of the one day series against Sri Lanka out after a slow over rate, but England fans may see a silver lining in the unfortunate ban.  Firstly, Cook’s exit gives Eoin Morgan a chance to lead the side.  He’s in desperate need of some form with the blade and the hope is that the added responsibility will allow him to play with the type of accountability that will also bring runs.  The second hope is that the Alex Hales and Moeen Ali at the top of the order will bring a far greater early impetus and set the the tone for a positive approach and a big total.

The Last Time These Two Met

England recorded a much needed win the last time the two sides met.  Joe Buttler and Joe Root crafted a superbly timed chase to beat the rain and the Sri Lankans.  If the visitors fell 3-0 behind the series would have lost all of its appeal, therefore, the win was vital for keeping the Barmy Army full of voice.  England will look to build on the game three win, and level the series on a dry and dusty pitch Colombo surface.

The Teams

Sri Lanka (likely): 1 Tillakaratne Dilshan, 2 Kusal Perera, 3 Kumar Sangakkara (wk), 4 Mahela Jayawardene, 5 Angelo Mathews (capt), 6 Lahiru Thirimanne, 7 Jeevan Mendis, 8 Thisara Perera, 9 Dhammika Prasad, 10 Rangana Herath, 11 Ajantha Mendis

Jayawardene should return in a straight swap for Kandamby in the only change for Sri Lanka.  Although some thought might be given to dropping Ajantha Mendis after his spin was destroyed at Hambantota.

England (likely): 1 Moeen Ali, 2 Alex Hales, 3 James Taylor, 4 Joe Root, 5 Ravi Bopara, 6 Eoin Morgan (capt), 7 Jos Buttler (wk), 8 Chris Woakes, 9 Chris Jordan, 10 James Tredwell, 11 Steven Finn

James Taylor and Ian Bell (fitness permitting) will battle it out for the number three spot in Cook’s absence.  First class phenomenon Taylor deserves the chance after piling on runs in all forms of cricket over the past few years.  James Tredwell could also return at Ben Stokes’ expense.

The Key Players

Tillakaratne Dilshan – The all-rounder has already won a man of the match award after his performance in game one.  He’s also threatened with both bat and ball to do it again.  Look for the 38 year old to have a big impact on this one too.  BetEasy have him at $4.50 to top score.

Joe Root – David Warner’s punching bag is already a shoe-in for Englands World Cup Cricket squad.  The right hander is a stable of the middle order, and also provides a useful parti time bowling option in these spin friendly conditions.  Scores of 2, 42 and 48* could mean he’s improving in each innings and could go big in this one.  Jump on him at $6.20 with BetEasy.

The Odds*

Sri Lanka – $1.54

England – $2.48

*International Cricket odds courtesy of BetEasy.

The Prediction

The dry conditions will not suit the England side that traditionally struggle against accurate spin bowling.  Nevertheless, the odds offered for this one are too good to overlook.  Expect England to sneak another win in unlikely circumstances.

Related posts:

Cricket: Sri Lanka restore two game lead with well-timed chase Cricket: Wet game three to add to England’s woes Cricket: Root sees England home after false start Cricket: Confident England seek unlikely series decider