The stage is set for an exciting start to the 2026 cricketing calendar as Sri Lanka hosts England for a three-match ODI series, beginning at the iconic R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. This series serves as a vital building block for both teams as they fine-tune their strategies for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, also hosted in the subcontinent.
Led by Charith Asalanka, Sri Lanka enter this series with a squad that emphasizes continuity. Despite a tough recent series against Pakistan, the selectors have kept faith in the core group. The batting looks solid with Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis at the top, while the emergence of Kamindu Mendis provides versatility in the middle order.
The Lions’ primary strength remains their spin department. On a Colombo surface known to grip, the trio of Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, and the veteran Jeffrey Vandersay will look to stifle the aggressive English batters.
England arrives with Harry Brook at the helm, marking a significant step in the team’s leadership transition. The squad is a blend of world-class experience and fresh talent. The return of Zak Crawley to the ODI setup after a long hiatus (776 days) is a major talking point, as England looks to solidify their opening pair.
The visitors’ spin attack is bolstered by the presence of Adil Rashid and the young Rehan Ahmed, who managed to join the squad following visa delays. With Joe Root providing the anchor role, England’s “Bazball” influence on the white-ball game will be tested by the slow, turning tracks of Sri Lanka.
SL vs ENG, 1st ODI: Match Details
- Date and Time: January 22 (Thursday); 2:30 pm IST / 9:00 pm GMT
- Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
SL vs ENG, Head-to-Head Record (ODIs):
Matches played: 79 | England won: 38 | Sri Lanka won: 37 | No result/Tied: 4
R. Premadasa Stadium Pitch Report
The pitch at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo is expected to be a classic subcontinental surface, characterized by its slow nature and significant assistance for spin. While the black-soil track may offer some consistent bounce and a bit of zip for the pacers during the initial powerplay under the afternoon sun, it is prone to rapid deterioration as the match progresses. As the surface dries, it becomes grippier, making the middle overs a spinner’s paradise where variable bounce and sharp turn are likely. With an average first-innings score of 232, bowling first is the preferred strategy to avoid a challenging defence on a wet outfield due to dew factor.
Squads
Sri Lanka: Charith Asalanka (c), Kusal Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Pathum Nissanka, Pavan Rathnayake, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Dhananjaya de Silva, Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Eshan Malinga, Pramod Madushan, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay
England: Harry Brook (c), Tom Banton (wk), Jos Buttler (wk), Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Rehan Ahmed, Adil Rashid, Luke Wood
SL vs ENG, 1st ODI: Today’s Match Prediction
Case 1:
- Sri Lanka wins the toss and bowls first
- England powerplay score: 55-65
- England total score: 260-270
Case 2:
- England wins the toss and bowls first
- Sri Lanka powerplay score: 55-65
- Sri Lanka total score: 300-310
Match result: Sri Lanka to win the contest
Also READ: Pakistan suspends 2026 T20 World Cup preparations to show solidarity with Bangladesh
