England vs Sri Lanka Predictions: Cricket World Cup betting tips, news, lineups
The match between England and Sri Lanka in the Cricket World Cup on Thursday (09:30 BST). is an absolutely huge one for all involved.
Both sides have won only once in the competition so far and if either are to stand any chance of progression then this is a must win occasion.
England vs Sri Lanka Betting Tips
- Sri Lanka to win @ 5/2 with BetMGM
- Ben Stokes Player of the Match @ 12/1 with Sky Bet
- Kusal Mendis Player of the Match @ 20/1 with Paddy Power
The England World Cup defence in tatters
There were some signs pre-tournament that England may not be in the best shape to defend their title from four years ago, but very few would’ve expected the capitulation that we have seen from this team.
The talent in the squad should be there, many of these players lifted the trophy four years ago, but perhaps there is a lack of turnover or fresh impetus in the side. Either way, nobody seems to be executing their gameplan correctly. Reece Topley has been ruled out for the tournament as well, so Brydon Carse has been called up as a replacement. It is difficult to see Carse as being the instigator for change, but it is a possibility.
Sri Lanka have done fairly well in defeat in this World Cup. Their batting has generally been en pointe, they have passed 300 twice against South Africa and Pakistan, and successfully chased 253. The bowling has probably been too loose, especially against the bigger nations and that is something that England will have to exploit.
Undoubtedly, England have the talent to win this match, however, at the prices Sri Lanka have to be the pick to bet on. If England get put under pressure they don’t seem to be in the right frame of mind to pull it out of the bag.
There is a continuing trend towards batsmen being Player of the Match so Ben Stokes and Kusal Mendis are the standouts for either side in that market.
Tips:
- Sri Lanka to win @ 5/2 with BetMGM
- Ben Stokes Player of the Match @ 12/1 with Sky Bet
- Kusal Mendis Player of the Match @ 20/1 with Paddy Power
England vs Sri Lanka team news
Both sides have named their 15 man squads for the Cricket World Cup. Here are the details of the players who will line up on Thursday:
England: Jos Buttler (captain), Moeen Ali, Gus Atkinson, Jonny Bairstow, Harry Brook, Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, Dawid Malan, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Reece Topley* ruled out through injury, David Willey, Mark Wood, Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse* replacement
Sri Lanka: Dasun Shanaka (c) *ruled out through injury , Kusal Mendis (vc), Kusal Perera, Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dushan Hemantha, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana, Lahiru Kumara, Dilshan Madushanka
