England vs Sri Lanka Prediction & Match Preview – 2nd ODI, Headingley

England and Sri Lanka meet again in the second ODI of the series, at Headingley in Leeds on Thursday 24 September, with a lunchtime start.

England, led by Harry Brook, are expected to field a strong batting group of Tom Banton, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Brook himself and Jos Buttler, with Will Jacks, Rehan Ahmed and Jamie Overton adding all-round options. Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue lead the pace attack.

Sri Lanka are expected to be captained by Kusal Mendis, who also keeps wicket. Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, Pavan Rathnayake, Charith Asalanka and Janith Liyanage make up the batting, while Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Sachindu Colombage, Asitha Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka form the bowling group.

Seam movement early on could make the first overs a challenge, but the batting should ease once the ball gets older. Seamers should stay important throughout, and a chase can become harder if the surface slows.

Probable playing XI

Pitch report

Headingley usually offers a good batting surface with consistent bounce and decent pace, so strokes come more easily once batters are in. The quicker bowlers can find swing and seam with the new ball, particularly under cloud, which can make the early overs tough. Batting normally gets more comfortable as the game goes on, and spin may come into play if the pitch slows.

Weather

Pleasant at around 18–19°C for the 12:30 pm local start, with sunny spells, dry conditions and a very low chance of rain. Visibility should be good and the risk of interruption is minimal.

Expected scores

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