England vs Sri Lanka First Test Tips - Depleted Poms could struggle at the top

By Siddhu Bharadwaj

21 Aug 2024

Siddhu Bharadwaj 21 Aug 2024

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England vs Sri Lanka First Test match predictions to be played in Manchester from Wednesday, August 21 at 3:30pm IST
England conceded the highest o/p score in their last 3 Tests
Sri Lanka scored the highest o/p in 5 of their last 7 Tests

Can England and Sri Lanka dish out an entertaining Test match in Manchester? (Getty Images)

England vs Sri Lanka First Test

It’s a chance to move up the ICC World Test Championship points tally as England host Sri Lanka in a three-Test series at home. The first of the matches will be played at Old Trafford in Manchester on August 21, with the hosts primed for another powerful performance.

England were in cracking form against the West Indies, brushing them with ease. Although they are set to miss a couple of their regulars—Zak Crawley and regular captain Ben Stokes—there’s enough firepower to win with ease. There’s not much value in backing an England win, though, which is almost a given in the betting market. Instead, I am backing Sri Lanka to score the highest opening partnership of the match as England tests a new opening pair.

England conceded the highest o/p in their last 3 matches (Tests)
Sri Lanka scored the highest o/p score in their last 4 matches against England (Tests)
Sri Lanka scored the highest o/p in 5 of their last 7 matches (Tests)

Head to Head

There have been 36 Tests between England and Sri Lanka so far, with England winning 17 and Sri Lanka winning eight. The remaining 11 ended in a draw.

The last time these sides played was in January 2021, when England won a two-match series in Sri Lanka 2-0.

England Form

England are fresh off a 3-0 clean sweep over the West Indies, another advertisement of their Baz Ball strategy. They are seventh in the points table with 36.5% points.

The hosts will have to do without the services of regular captain Ben Stokes for this series. He was injured during The Hundred, which means Ollie Pope will take on the captaincy role for the first time in his career.

All eyes will be on Dan Lawrence, who has been recalled to replace the injured Zak Crawley at the top of the order.

England Team News

England confirmed their XI, with Matthew Potts sharing the bowling duties with Gus Atkinson and Mark Wood. Jamie Smith will be batting in the sixth spot, while Chris Woakes is slated to come in at seven.

Sri Lanka Form

Sri Lanka is going through a change of personnel in the strategy room, as Sanath Jayasuriya leads them in an interim position. He led them to a 2-1 win in the ODI series against India, giving a boost to their confidence.

The Islanders will start this series in fourth place in the WTC ranking, with a 50% point percentage. They have a bit of ground to cover, chasing second-placed Australia, who have a 62.5% point percentage.

The Lankans have lost a practice match to the England Lions side, primarily a motley group of players. However, their last series was against Bangladesh earlier this year, which they won 2-0.

Sri Lanka Team News

Sri Lanka could field the same XI that they featured in the practice game against the Lions, unless they want to go with an additional spinner.

England vs Sri Lanka First Test FAQs

Where can I watch the England vs Sri Lanka First Test live stream?

Our live streaming calendar shows you where to watch the England vs Sri Lanka First Test live stream.

What time does England vs Sri Lanka First Test start?

This England vs Sri Lanka First Test match is being played at the Old Trafford Stadium in Manchester starting at 3:30pm IST from Wednesday, August 21 for five days.

Verdict

England v Sri Lanka - 1st Test

England will start as heavy favorites, despite the absence of key players. Stokes will be missed, but the hosts have a rich squad that will step up. Yet, I am backing the visitors to win the stakes for the opening partnership.

Sri Lanka highest o/p

@-149.25 - 3 Units

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