Thursday’s curtain-raiser to the England-Sri Lanka ODI series at R. Premadasa Stadium features a stunning England lineup, headlined by Jack Crowley’s long-awaited ODI recall—his first in 25 months.
The 27-year-old opener joins Ben Duckett, having last played against West Indies in December 2023 without scoring. Crowley’s eight ODIs yield 199 runs, highlighted by two half-centuries and an unbeaten 58—stats that justify his bold selection.
England’s batting boasts Root’s class at three, Bethell’s promise at four, and Brook’s leadership at five. Buttler adds verve behind the stumps, Jacks versatility, and Curran match-winning nous from recent leagues.
Seamer Jamie Overton spearheads pace, complemented by the guile of spinners Rashid and Dawson, perfectly suited to Colombo’s spin-friendly conditions.
Sri Lanka, announcing a day early, entrusts ODI reins to Charith Asalanka, transitioning from T20I captaincy amid 2026 World Cup rebuild.
Confirmed England XI: Jack Crowley, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (captain), Jos Buttler (wkt), Will Jacks, Sam Curran, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid.
Sri Lanka 17: C. Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Pavan Rathnayake, Dhananjaya de Silva, Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Jeffrey Vandersay, Maheesh Theekshana, Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Pramod Madushan, Isitha Malinga.
The stage is set for an enthralling contest that could shape series momentum.