Cricket enthusiasts gear up for the first ODI of England’s tour of Sri Lanka, slated for Thursday at Colombo’s iconic R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium. In a move that’s sent ripples through the cricket world, England has recalled opener Jack Crowley to their playing XI after over two years out.
Pairing with Ben Duckett, Crowley last donned the ODI whites on December 9, 2023, against West Indies, ending scoreless. Yet, his record speaks volumes: 199 runs in eight games, powered by two fifties and a top knock of 58*. At 27, this is his moment to shine.
The lineup flows seamlessly: Root at three for stability, Bethell injecting youth at four, Brook leading from five. Buttler and Jacks promise fireworks, with Curran providing all-round balance amid his red-hot league streak.
Overton handles new-ball swing, but the spin duo of Dawson and Rashid might steal the show on a turning Premadasa surface.
Sri Lanka responded swiftly, naming Charith Asalanka as ODI skipper for their 17-man group—a shift after his T20I captaincy handover eyeing 2026 World Cup preparations.
England Team: Crowley, Duckett, Root, Bethell, Brook (c), Buttler (wk), Jacks, Curran, Overton, Dawson, Rashid.
Lankans: Asalanka (capt), Nissanka, Mishara, Mendis, Samarawickrama, P. Rathnayake, D. de Silva, Liyanage, K. Mendis, Wellalage, Hasaranga, Vandersay, Theekshana, M. Rathnayake, Fernando, Madushan, Malinga.
As the series dawns, expect tactical chess and individual brilliance to light up Colombo.