England vs Sri Lanka Prediction & Match Preview – 1st ODI, Chester-le-Street

England host Sri Lanka in the first ODI of the series at Riverside Ground in Chester-le-Street on Tuesday 22 September, after dominating the T20I leg of the tour. They have also won their last two ODI series convincingly.

Jacob Bethell and Jos Buttler give England an explosive opening pair, with Joe Root, Harry Brook and Will Jacks in the middle order and Jamie Overton, Gus Atkinson and Liam Dawson capable of quick runs lower down. Jofra Archer and Atkinson lead the new-ball attack, Adil Rashid has taken 11 wickets this year and Josh Tongue adds another pace option.

Sri Lanka need a much-improved showing, since their batting has struggled in English conditions. Kusal Mendis has averaged 44.16 over the past 12 months, and Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, Pavan Rathnayake and Charith Asalanka will back him up. Dushmantha Chameera has taken six wickets in the last 12 months and will lead the bowling with Maheesh Theekshana, with Ashita Fernando and Wanindu Hasaranga also in support.

Expect a balanced contest, with seamers important throughout and the chasing side possibly finding runs harder if the pitch slows.

Probable playing XI

Pitch report

Riverside Ground tends to offer a balanced surface with good bounce and carry. The new ball can swing and seam, especially under cloud, which gives the quicks a chance in the powerplay. Batting gets easier once players settle, though it is rarely a completely flat track. Spinners who vary their pace can be useful in the middle overs. In an ODI, around 250 or more is competitive and 270 or more would put the batting side in a strong position.

Weather

Partly sunny and comfortable at 21–22°C for the 12:30 pm local start, with a very low rain threat and light to moderate winds that might help seam bowlers. Weather interruption is unlikely.

Expected scores

• 1st innings: 245–265
• 2nd innings: 225–245