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England and Sri Lanka will lock horns in the second ODI of the three-match series at Headingley in Leeds on September 24. England enter the contest with a 1-0 lead after securing an 89-run victory in the opening match at Chester-le-Street. The hosts will now look to build on that performance, while Sri Lanka will be desperate to produce a stronger all-round display and level the series.
The first ODI produced several intriguing individual contests. Harry Brook top-scored for England with 67, while Joe Root made a composed 44 and Will Jacks finished unbeaten on 46. Jacks then turned the game decisively with a career-best 5/22 as Sri Lanka were dismissed for 176.
Sri Lanka’s batting struggled to cope with England’s bowling attack, although Kusal Mendis showed resistance with 42 and Dunith Wellalage counter-attacked with a quick 45.
Here are 3 player battles to watch out for in the second ODI:
Harry Brook enters the second ODI after producing an important captain’s knock in the series opener. The England skipper scored 67 off 69 deliveries, hitting seven fours and holding the innings together when the hosts lost wickets during the middle overs.
Brook’s ability to accelerate once settled makes him a crucial wicket for Sri Lanka. He demonstrated in the first ODI that he can build an innings rather than simply attack from the beginning, which could be particularly important at Headingley.
Dushmantha Chameera will be one of the bowlers tasked with challenging him. The experienced Sri Lankan quick dismissed Brook in the first ODI, having the England captain caught by Dilshan Madushanka after he had made 67.
That makes this a fascinating rematch. Chameera will look to use his pace and variations to prevent Brook from settling, while the England captain will aim to counterattack and put pressure back on the Sri Lankan seamer. If Brook survives the initial spell, Sri Lanka could face another substantial contribution from the England skipper.
Will Jacks was the standout performer of the first ODI and will naturally attract plenty of attention in Leeds. The England all-rounder scored an unbeaten 46 off 47 balls before returning figures of 5/22 from seven overs. His five-wicket haul was a career-best List A performance and helped England dismiss Sri Lanka for just 176.
Jacks’ role has become increasingly important for England because he gives Harry Brook an additional spin-bowling option while also providing aggressive middle-order batting. His performance in the opening game highlighted that versatility.
Sri Lanka could look towards Wanindu Hasaranga to counter Jacks with both skill and experience. The leg-spinner is capable of attacking through the middle overs, while his batting ability also gives Sri Lanka additional depth.
The battle could become especially interesting if Jacks arrives at the crease with Hasaranga operating. Jacks will look to use his range of strokes to disrupt the spinner’s length, whereas Hasaranga will aim to vary his pace and flight to create a mistake. With both players capable of influencing the match in multiple departments, their individual contest could be significant.
Kusal Mendis will be another key player for Sri Lanka after showing resilience in the first ODI. The captain scored 42 off 60 balls and attempted to anchor the chase as wickets fell around him. He was eventually dismissed by Jacks, but his innings demonstrated the importance of having an established batter occupy the crease.
Mendis will now have to contend with Jofra Archer, one of England’s premier pace options. Archer’s combination of speed, bounce and control gives England a weapon capable of testing Sri Lanka’s top order.
The conditions at Headingley could make the opening spell particularly interesting. Mendis will need to judge the ball carefully and avoid giving Archer opportunities early in his innings, while Archer will look to attack the stumps and force the Sri Lankan captain into uncomfortable strokes.
For Sri Lanka, Mendis spending significant time at the crease could be crucial to building a competitive total. For England, an early dismissal would give them an opportunity to expose Sri Lanka’s middle order once again.
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