As the outpouring of support for Phillip Hughes continues, England and Sri Lanka have planned to make their second one-day international cricket match an event of remembrance. In addition to partaking in the #putoutyourbats Twitter campaign the players will wear black armbands and observe a minute silence for their fellow cricketer.
While the cricket will take a back seat, there is still plenty to play for players looking to press World Cup claims or looking to fine tune tactics. Seeking consistency the most is undoubtedly an England team that has struggled in limited overs cricket and are often criticised for a lack of intent. With Ian Bell and Alastair Cook not known for their expansive games pressure is often heaped upon Eoin Morgan, Jos Buttler and Ravi Bopara. It would be nicer for them if Cook and Bell could up the ante with a more attacking mindset.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, we be looking to develop all three aspects of the game. A hint of improvement across the board is all that’s needed for a side that scored 302 in first game of the seven game cricket series, and bowled and fielded adequately. The early start won’t favour any of the sides, but if the pitch does dry out the Sri Lankans have four spinners at their disposal.
The Last Time These Two Met
Game one was a quality game of cricket featuring a close finish and terrific individual performances. Sri Lanka prevailed in a high scoring thriller that turned when Moeen Ali’s genius innings came to a soft end.
The Teams
Sri Lanka (likely): 1 Tillakaratne Dilshan, 2 Kusal Perera, 3 Kumar Sangakkara (wkt), 4 Mahela Jayawardene, 5 Angelo Mathews (capt), 6 Lahiru Thirimanne, 7 Jeevan Mendis, 8 Thisara Perera, 9 Dhammika Prasad, 10 Rangana Herath, 11 Shaminda Eranga
No changes predicted for the Sri Lanka cricket side.
England (likely): 1 Moeen Ali, 2 Alastair Cook (capt), 3 Ian Bell, 4 Joe Root, 5 Eoin Morgan, 6 Jos Buttler (wkt), 7 Ben Stokes / Chris Jordan, 8 Chris Woakes, 9 Chris Jordan, 10 James Tredwell, 11 Harry Gurney
As the English seek cohesion they may give Chris Jordan a run in place of Ben Stokes. Steven Finn is still unfit.
The Key Players
Kusal Perera – The return to form of Perara was shinning light in game one. After flicking between a number of openers in recent series’ a firing Perara is a massive bonus for the hosts. He’s paying $5.50 to top score.
Alastair Cook – For a player with as many test centuries as he has, cricket has not always been the kindest game to Cook. Especially in the one-day cricket arena (aside from a nice run of form in around 2011/12), the 29 year old has struggled for an acceptable strike-rate. Game two will provide another intriguing look at his game and potentially, his place in the side.
The Odds*
Sri Lanka – $1.53
England – $2.50
*International Cricket odds courtesy of Sportingbet Australia.
The Prediction
Sri Lanka will be too strong again in our view. A win by 4 wickets or 50+ runs.
