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England tour of Sri Lanka (2021) Discussion

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MenInG

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England National Cricket Selectors have named a 16-strong squad for the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka starting at Galle International Stadium on March 19 2020.

England Test squad

Joe Root (Yorkshire) captain

Dominic Bess (Somerset)

Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire)

Jos Buttler (Lancashire)

Zak Crawley (Kent)

Sam Curran (Surrey)

Joe Denly (Kent)

Ben Foakes (Surrey)

Keaton Jennings (Lancashire)

Jack Leach (Somerset)

Matthew Parkinson (Lancashire)

Ollie Pope (Surrey)

Dominic Sibley (Warwickshire)

Ben Stokes (Durham) vice-captain

Chris Woakes (Warwickshire)

Mark Wood (Durham)

Ben Foakes and Keaton Jennings return to the Test set-up for the first time in 12 months.

Surrey’s wicketkeeper-batsman Foakes made his Test debut in Galle in November 2018 where he scored a fine hundred. He has represented England at Test level five times with his last cap awarded against the West Indies last January in Antigua.

Top-order batsman Jennings returns to the England fold for the first time since the West Indies tour a year ago. The Lancashire left-hander will be looking to add to his 17 Test caps, which includes two centuries - both scored in the subcontinent - on debut in Mumbai in 2016 and a superb 146 not out against Sri Lanka at Galle in 2018.

Lancashire seamer James Anderson, who is recovering from a cracked rib sustained in January during the second Test in Cape Town against South Africa, will continue to condition and prepare ahead of the start of the English season.

Yorkshire batsman Jonny Bairstow misses the trip having been part of the Test tour of South Africa.

Worcestershire all-rounder Moeen Ali, who last played Test cricket in August, remains unavailable for Test selection.

Commenting on the selection of the squad, National Selector Ed Smith, said:

“The selection panel has supported continuity after a successful series victory in South Africa. The South Africa tour marked the emergence of a very exciting group of young players, creating a nice balance with an experienced core of senior players. That squad is mostly retained, with some tweaks to the squad relevant to injury, rest and the challenges of playing in sub-continent conditions.

“Somerset spinner Jack Leach has recovered from his illness he picked up in South Africa and is now healthy and keen to resume his Test career.

“Jonny Bairstow has been in England squads across the three formats without a significant break. This two-Test tour presents a good opportunity for Jonny to be rested.

“Jimmy Anderson will continue to work with Lancashire and the ECB so that he is ready for the start of the County Championship season leading into the Test series against the West Indies in June.

“Moeen Ali is still unavailable for Test selection. The selectors are in consistent dialogue with Moeen and he remains a valued player in England cricket.”

The two-match Test series forms part of the ICC World Test Championship. Joe Root’s team currently stand in third place and will be looking to close in on India and Australia, who are currently leading the standings. The top two teams at the end of the two-year cycle will compete in the ICC World Test Championship Final in England in June 2021.

===

England Test tour of Sri Lanka 2020

Saturday 7-9 March: Three-day warm-up match – Cricket Sri Lanka Invitational XI v England – CMCG, Katunayake

Thursday 12-15 March: Four-day first-class match – Cricket Sri Lanka XI v England – P. Sara Ground, Colombo

Thursday 19-23 March: 1st Test – Sri Lanka v England – Galle International Stadium, Galle

Friday 27-31 March: 2nd Test – Sri Lanka v England – SSC, Colombo
 
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So Moeen Ali still out of Tests - looks like curtains to me for his Test career.
 
How frequently do England tour SL..they were there at the end of 2018 and again for a test series!!
 
England tour of SL

Interesting choices. Bairstow out, Foakes in, Jennings back in, still no Moeen who has made himself unavailable for the long game.

Jennings makes sense as he is a good player of spin, and I am glad to see Foakes back. He should not have been dropped. Looks like the Zummerzet spinners Leach and Bess will bowl a lot in tandem.

Joe Root (Yorkshire) captain, Dominic Bess (Somerset), Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire), Jos Buttler (Lancashire), Zak Crawley (Kent), Sam Curran (Surrey), Joe Denly (Kent), Ben Foakes (Surrey), Keaton Jennings (Lancashire), Jack Leach (Somerset), Matthew Parkinson (Lancashire), Ollie Pope (Surrey), Dominic Sibley (Warwickshire), Ben Stokes (Durham) vice-captain, Chris Woakes (Warwickshire), Mark Wood (Durham)
 
Nasser Hussain says England have been "sensible" in leaving James Anderson out of the two-Test series in Sri Lanka in March.

Anderson declared himself fully fit from the cracked rib that prematurely ended his tour of South Africa in January, but has been overlooked so that he can prepare for the home Test summer, which features three matches against Pakistan and three against West Indies.

"If they were going anywhere but Sri Lanka, I would pick Anderson straightaway but Sri Lanka is such a backbreaker for seamers, so I think it is the most sensible thing to do," said Sky Cricket expert Hussain, with the pitches for the series expected to favour spin.

Anderson injured himself in the Cape Town Test against South Africa, having taken his 28th Test five-wicket haul earlier in the game, in what was only his second England appearance since being struck down by a calf injury in the Ashes opener against Australia in August.

"At 37, do the selectors want him to play two Tests on spin-friendly pitches where it does little for the seamers?" said Hussain.

"I know he wants to, he'd love to be there having missed so much cricket but I think it's best if he gets ready for the summer and that first Test."

England have recalled Keaton Jennings for the tour with the Lancashire batsman averaging 44.44 from five Tests in Asia, having hit both of his centuries there - on debut against India in Mumbai in 2016 and against Sri Lanka in Galle in 2018.

But the opener averages just 17.72 from 10 games on home soil and Hussain thinks England will be left in a quandary if he performs well on his comeback and says he would have looked past Jennings and retained Jonny Bairstow in the squad instead.

Take a look back at Keaton Jennings' century in Galle, on England's previous Test tour to Sri Lanka in late 2018
"The present selection panel have been very much horses for courses and this is the original horse for a spin-friendly course," added Hussain.

"The problem is that if he does well does he start next summer or will he only play on spin-friendly pitches? It's an odd one and a real turnaround from the way sides uses to be selected.

"He is a high-quality player of spin and a good catcher around the bat. He is exceptional at short leg against the spinners which you have to take into the equation.

Jennings was superb in the short-leg position on England's previous tour of Sri Lanka, either catching the ball or parrying it to others!
"I understand why he has been recalled but it's a bit short term for me. I'd think long term and get players ready for all conditions.

"Michael Vaughan, Marcus Trescothick and Graham Thorpe learnt on spin-friendly pitches in Pakistan and Sri Lanka and became better players because of it.

"I would have gone for Bairstow as back-up batsman as I see him as the more complete player, even though his Test record has not been great of late."

On off-spinning all-rounder Moeen Ali, who remains on a self-imposed break from Test cricket, Hussain added: "Test cricket is no place for tired minds and for people who, at the moment, don't want to be there.

"But Moeen is a very good cricketer and come the summer in English conditions I would definitely have him in the frame - if he feels he is right to come back into Test cricket."

https://www.skysports.com/cricket/n...to-leave-james-anderson-out-of-sri-lanka-tour
 
MenInG said:
Nasser Hussain says England have been "sensible" in leaving James Anderson out of the two-Test series in Sri Lanka in March.

Anderson declared himself fully fit from the cracked rib that prematurely ended his tour of South Africa in January, but has been overlooked so that he can prepare for the home Test summer, which features three matches against Pakistan and three against West Indies.

"If they were going anywhere but Sri Lanka, I would pick Anderson straightaway but Sri Lanka is such a backbreaker for seamers, so I think it is the most sensible thing to do," said Sky Cricket expert Hussain, with the pitches for the series expected to favour spin.

Anderson injured himself in the Cape Town Test against South Africa, having taken his 28th Test five-wicket haul earlier in the game, in what was only his second England appearance since being struck down by a calf injury in the Ashes opener against Australia in August.

"At 37, do the selectors want him to play two Tests on spin-friendly pitches where it does little for the seamers?" said Hussain.

"I know he wants to, he'd love to be there having missed so much cricket but I think it's best if he gets ready for the summer and that first Test."

England have recalled Keaton Jennings for the tour with the Lancashire batsman averaging 44.44 from five Tests in Asia, having hit both of his centuries there - on debut against India in Mumbai in 2016 and against Sri Lanka in Galle in 2018.

But the opener averages just 17.72 from 10 games on home soil and Hussain thinks England will be left in a quandary if he performs well on his comeback and says he would have looked past Jennings and retained Jonny Bairstow in the squad instead.

Take a look back at Keaton Jennings' century in Galle, on England's previous Test tour to Sri Lanka in late 2018
"The present selection panel have been very much horses for courses and this is the original horse for a spin-friendly course," added Hussain.

"The problem is that if he does well does he start next summer or will he only play on spin-friendly pitches? It's an odd one and a real turnaround from the way sides uses to be selected.

"He is a high-quality player of spin and a good catcher around the bat. He is exceptional at short leg against the spinners which you have to take into the equation.

Jennings was superb in the short-leg position on England's previous tour of Sri Lanka, either catching the ball or parrying it to others!
"I understand why he has been recalled but it's a bit short term for me. I'd think long term and get players ready for all conditions.

"Michael Vaughan, Marcus Trescothick and Graham Thorpe learnt on spin-friendly pitches in Pakistan and Sri Lanka and became better players because of it.

"I would have gone for Bairstow as back-up batsman as I see him as the more complete player, even though his Test record has not been great of late."

On off-spinning all-rounder Moeen Ali, who remains on a self-imposed break from Test cricket, Hussain added: "Test cricket is no place for tired minds and for people who, at the moment, don't want to be there.

"But Moeen is a very good cricketer and come the summer in English conditions I would definitely have him in the frame - if he feels he is right to come back into Test cricket."

https://www.skysports.com/cricket/n...to-leave-james-anderson-out-of-sri-lanka-tour
Click to expand...

6 tests, 600 wickets coming this summer for Anderson. At 586 now.
 
If sam curran doesn't start in sri lanka I will be literally disgusted
 
majiz said:
If sam curran doesn't start in sri lanka I will be literally disgusted
Click to expand...

Sam Curran is not good enough for test cricket at the moment.
They will probably play 2 fast bowlers + Stokes. So it should be Broad + Woakes/Wood.

Tough, the number of left hander in Sl's line up may play in his favor and he may be the second seamer.
 
Mobashir said:
Sam Curran is not good enough for test cricket at the moment.
They will probably play 2 fast bowlers + Stokes. So it should be Broad + Woakes/Wood.

Tough, the number of left hander in Sl's line up may play in his favor and he may be the second seamer.
Click to expand...

>Sam Curran is not good enough for test cricket at the moment
What exactly are you basing this on? He looks good and crafty whenever I have seen him. By no means out of his depth at the highest level. Averages around 30 I believe.
He's Harare bred and tailor made for slow sri lankan wickets. Did you know sri lanka is statistically the hardest place to open the batting in world? It moves around there first up. Stuart broad in Sri lanka? Jog on
 
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Durham fast bowler Mark Wood has been ruled out of the Test tour of Sri Lanka with a left side strain.

Wood sustained the injury at the end of the South Africa tour earlier this month. He underwent several scans in London, which confirmed a small tear to his left side.

He will now commence an injury rehabilitation programme, working with England and Durham medical teams respectively.

Lancashire seamer Saqib Mahmood will replace Wood. The England Test squad travels to Sri Lanka on Monday.
 
England players will not shake hands on Sri Lanka tour because of coronavirus

England players will not shake hands during the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka because of the coronavirus outbreak, according to captain Joe Root.

Root's side suffered gastroenteritis and flu problems during their recent tour of South Africa and will instead greet each other with fist bumps.

England contest the first of two warm-up games in Katunayake on Saturday in preparation for the two-Test tour.

The Tests will form part of the ICC World Test Championship.

"After the illnesses that swept through the squad in South Africa, we are well aware of the importance of keeping contact to a minimum," said Root.

"We are washing hands regularly and wiping down surfaces using the anti-bacterial wipes and gels we've been given in our immunity packs."

Root added England "fully expect the tour to continue as planned" but the team is in regular contact with the authorities and will "proceed as advised".

A number of sporting events have already been postponed because of the virus, which originated in China. Around 86,000 people across more than 50 countries have since become infected, resulting in more than 3,000 deaths.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/51714298
 
Sri Lanka's new head coach Mickey Arthur believes that England won't have it easy adjusting to demanding Sri Lankan conditions, after their 'pace-dominated' tour of South Africa.

England are set to tussle with Sri Lanka in their upcoming two-match Test series, set to begin with the first game in Colombo on Thursday, 12 March. “It’s very hot here in Colombo right now and with a two-Test series you can’t ease yourself in, you have got to hit the first Test running," Arthur told Observer. “England can expect some tough cricket.”

Sri Lanka will switch to the Test format after a 2-0 drubbing at the hands of West Indies in the T20Is, which followed the Lankans' 3-0 whitewash of the visitors in the one-day format. For England, a 3-1 win in the South Africa Tests has given them a great start to the year, but Arthur believes that the setting will be entirely different in Sri Lanka, where Joe Root's men will have to grind under testing conditions.

where pace dominated but this will be different. The games will move slower until days four and five, where spin will dominate. It will be a war of attrition and a compelling series to watch.”

With Moeen Ali not part of the Test setup, the onus will be on Dom Bess and Matt Parkinson to shoulder spin responsibilities alongside Jack Leach. Moeen was England's leading wicket-taker (18 wickets in three Tests), joint with Leach, on their 2018 tour of Sri Lanka when they clean swept the hosts 3-0. Arthur acknowledges that the all-rounder's absence is a big gap to fill.

“I do think Moeen is a big loss for England – finger spin plays a big role and he’s a quality cricketer. But I watched them in South Africa and they have gelled into a good side. Joe Root has asserted himself and developed a style. But they will be tested in different ways here and it will be interesting to see how they adapt.”

From his own line-up, Arthur has high hopes from Wanindu Hasaranga, the leg-spinning all-rounder, who is yet to feature in Tests. Sri Lanka have options in Dilruwan Perera and Lasith Embuldeniya, but it's Hasaranga who has attracted the coach's attention the most.

“This guy is something very, very special. He has got all the tricks, including a top-spinner and googly out the back of the hand I can’t pick. He is a proper batsman too, he made 44 off 34 in a T20I the other night [against West Indies in the first T20I], and a gun fielder.

“I would put him in the 10 most valuable cricketers in the world right now and yet people don’t know him. He really is a hidden gem. Remember the name, because he is the man.”

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/1640297
 
Wanindu Hasaranga,the promising leggie Arthur talked about is out for six weeks due to a thigh injury. SL have to contend with the two darters, Dilruwan and Ambuldeniya or Sandakan who bowls left arm long hops/full tosses. Eng clear favourites to win the series.
 
Sri Lanka Cricket XI vs England, 3-day Practice Match
Mar 07 - Mar 09 at FTZ Sports Complex, Katunayake
SLCXI 209/6 (70.0 Ovs) • ENG 316

Day 2: 3rd Session - Sri Lanka Cricket XI trail by 107 runs
 
Sri Lanka Cricket XI vs England, 3-day Practice Match

Mar 07 - Mar 09 • 7:30 AM at FTZ Sports Complex, Katunayake

ENG 316, 320/7 (79.1 Ovs) • SLCXI 245

Match drawn

===


Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope both scored half-centuries as England drew with Sri Lanka Cricket XI in their first warm-up match in Katunayake.

Crawley hit 91 and Pope 77 as England reached 320-7 in their second innings - a lead of 391 - before both sides shook hands on a draw.

Ben Stokes, out for three in the first innings, returned to form with 43 from just 42 deliveries.

England face Sri Lanka in a two-Test series, starting on 19 March.

England in Sri Lanka - schedule
They continue their preparations with a four-day first-class match against a President's XI in Colombo starting on Thursday.

With both sides able to pick from 16 players, England captain Joe Root and wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler did not bat again in the second innings.

They began on 39-1 but lost Joe Denly for 27 just nine overs into the day.

That brought Stokes, promoted to number four, to the crease and he helped put on 92 with Crawley for the third wicket before both batsman fell either side of lunch.

Keaton Jennings, back in the squad for the first time in a year, was trapped lbw for 23, having been dismissed in the same way for 19 in the first innings.

Sam Curran was the final man out for 26, with Ben Foakes unbeaten on 24.

Crawley, who averages 27 from his first four Tests, hopes he has done enough to earn a place in the side for the first Test in Galle.

"It's always been my goal. Every time I've gone to practice it's been with the ambition of playing for England," he said.

"I was disappointed with the way I got out first ball after lunch, but it was nice to spend some time in the middle and face a few balls.

"If the people above think I'm ready to go I'll play in Galle, hopefully I can do there as well."



https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/51798288
 
Sri Lanka have recalled wicketkeeper-batsman Kusal Perera for the two-Test series at home to England this month - despite him battling a finger injury.

Perera was dropped for the 1-0 win in Zimbabwe in January after struggling for runs in the drawn home series against New Zealand and not playing during the 1-0 loss in Pakistan.

The 29-year-old is unlikely to be fit for the first Test against England from March 19 but could return for the second in Colombo from March 27.

Perera was injured during a recent T20I against West Indies, in the same game spinning all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga tore his hamstring.

Hasaranga has been named in Sri Lanka's 16-man squad but will miss the series and be replaced at a later date.

Batsman Lahiru Thirimanne has been dropped from the squad after playing the last of his 35 Tests in August 2019, against New Zealand.

Sri Lanka suffered a 3-0 home series whitewash to England in late 2018.

Sri Lanka squad for England series: Dimuth Karunaratne (captain), Oshada Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya De Silva, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Dilruwan Perera, Lasith Embuldeniya, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Lakshan Sandakan, Suranga Lakmal, Wanindu Hasaranga*

https://www.skysports.com/cricket/n...rera-for-england-series-despite-finger-injury
 
MenInG said:
Sri Lanka's new head coach Mickey Arthur believes that England won't have it easy adjusting to demanding Sri Lankan conditions, after their 'pace-dominated' tour of South Africa.

England are set to tussle with Sri Lanka in their upcoming two-match Test series, set to begin with the first game in Colombo on Thursday, 12 March. “It’s very hot here in Colombo right now and with a two-Test series you can’t ease yourself in, you have got to hit the first Test running," Arthur told Observer. “England can expect some tough cricket.”

Sri Lanka will switch to the Test format after a 2-0 drubbing at the hands of West Indies in the T20Is, which followed the Lankans' 3-0 whitewash of the visitors in the one-day format. For England, a 3-1 win in the South Africa Tests has given them a great start to the year, but Arthur believes that the setting will be entirely different in Sri Lanka, where Joe Root's men will have to grind under testing conditions.

where pace dominated but this will be different. The games will move slower until days four and five, where spin will dominate. It will be a war of attrition and a compelling series to watch.”

With Moeen Ali not part of the Test setup, the onus will be on Dom Bess and Matt Parkinson to shoulder spin responsibilities alongside Jack Leach. Moeen was England's leading wicket-taker (18 wickets in three Tests), joint with Leach, on their 2018 tour of Sri Lanka when they clean swept the hosts 3-0. Arthur acknowledges that the all-rounder's absence is a big gap to fill.

“I do think Moeen is a big loss for England – finger spin plays a big role and he’s a quality cricketer. But I watched them in South Africa and they have gelled into a good side. Joe Root has asserted himself and developed a style. But they will be tested in different ways here and it will be interesting to see how they adapt.”
Click to expand...

This is where Sibley, and I think Foakes will do well - the long attritional game.
 
I think Sri Lanka will seal the win this time. England whitewashed SL last tour, don't think SL will lose again at home.

2-1 with England winning the dead rubber.
 
The Minister of Education, Sports and Youth Affairs Hon. Dullas Alahapperuma approved the following 16 member Sri Lanka National Squad to take part in the upcoming 02 match test Series vs England.
Test Squad

Dimuth Karunaratne – Captain

Oshada Fernando

Kusal Mendis

Angelo Mathews

Dinesh Chandimal

Kusal Janith Perera

Dhananjaya De Silva

Niroshan Dickwella

Suranga Lakmal

Lahiru Kumara

Vishwa Fernando

Kasun Rajitha

Dilruwan Perera

Lasith Embuldeniya

Lakshan Sandakan

Wanindu Hasaranga ( Injured and will not be a part of the test series)
 
It's a two test series and it is very unlikely that SL will win it. After Herath's retirement we have not found a decent wicket taking spinner .Akila Dananjaya was good but got banned. Wanindu looks promising,but not available for the series. Unless Eng shoots themselves in the foot, they can win this time around too.
 
Due to the ongoing situation regarding the current coronavirus outbreak around the world, the England Men’s Test team, currently touring Sri Lanka, kindly requests all supporters joining the tour to maintain good levels of hygiene as advised by the World Health Organisation and the NHS, to avoid possible infection and spreading.

Following the world health agency’s advice, and in order to protect the players and, in turn, the integrity and continuation of the Sri Lanka Test tour, the team has put in place several precautions, leading to a number of normal activities being cancelled for the foreseeable future.

As a result, the touring party is now taking positive steps to reduce the risk of its health by limiting public engagements for its players and management team.

England players and staff have been asked to avoid any unnecessary public engagements, and temporarily avoid casual supporter interaction such as selfies or autographs.

Whilst we acknowledge that this will be disappointing for some supporters, we stress that this a measure to protect the ongoing wellbeing of the England Test squad and is a decision which has not been taken lightly.

In addition, England players and staff are also being instructed to avoid shaking hands where a ‘fist pump’ or a personal greeting will suffice. Players will no longer participate in handshakes with each other or the opposition.

During the tour of Sri Lanka, which will see a large influx of supporters travelling from the United Kingdom, the England cricket team is encouraging people to maintain good hygiene to avoid possible infection of spreading of the virus. which includes:

Washing your hands is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 and other illnesses such as food poisoning and flu.

Washing your hands with soap and water often - do this for at least 20 seconds.

Use hand sanitiser gel if soap or water are not available.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze.

Put used tissues in the bin straight away and wash your hands afterwards.

Try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell.

Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.

The team will continue to take guidance from the ECB, Sri Lankan authorities, UK Government agencies and the World Health Organisation, and will update supporters with any further developments.
 
When England last visited Sri Lanka in 2018 there was a big farewell looming on the horizon as Rangana Herath bowed out of Test cricket following the first match of the series.

This time it's more about fresh starts and fresh faces rather than fond farewells.

England are much-changed since their series sweep two years ago, and so are Sri Lanka, with only eight of the 15 players who featured in that series returning this time.

They also have a new head coach, a relatively new captain and inexperienced spin options. So what threat will they pose to England? James Walker-Roberts takes a look…

Mickey Arthur, who reportedly held talks over England's head coach vacancy last year, has been tasked with turning Sri Lanka's fortunes around.

Arthur has previously taken South Africa to the top of the Test rankings, won series in England and Australia, and helped Pakistan win their maiden Champions Trophy in 2017.

Indeed, if Arthur's personal record against England is anything to go by then this could be a difficult series for the tourists. He is unbeaten in four Test series against England, winning one and drawing one with South Africa, before drawing twice in England with Pakistan.

Arthur improved standards - particularly in the field - during his time with Pakistan, but he faces a stiff task to get Sri Lanka back on track.

They have registered only one win in the ongoing ICC Test Championship and were flamed by team manager and chief selector Ashantha de Mel after their recent series defeat to Pakistan.

"They are comfortable just cruising along with mediocre performances and the coach has emphasised that very strongly," De Mel told Sri Lanka's Daily News. "They have to be told if you are mediocre you will not play. That kind of message must go through."

Former Sri Lanka skipper Marvan Atapattu has also criticised the current regime for a "lack of planning".

"I think there are too many things, too many cooks," he told Sportstar. "We are not short of talent, but then, grooming and polishing the talent is something that we haven't done properly."

It's plain that, as with Pakistan, Arthur will have to deal with more than just what happens on the field. However, Sri Lanka's batting is a particular area of concern, with just one 315-plus score registered since the 2018 defeat to England (coming in January against Zimbabwe).

Along with Arthur, Grant Flower has been hired as the new batting coach in an attempt to improve matters.

Karunaratne leads from the front
Opener Dimuth Karunaratne was the second-highest run scorer in the series when England won in Sri Lanka in 2018.

The hosts will be looking for him to deliver again, only this time he is charged with the responsibility of captaincy too.

Karunaratne doesn't seem to have been too weighed down by the captaincy since taking charge just over a year ago.

He made a match-winning century as Sri Lanka chased down 267 to beat New Zealand last summer, followed up with half-centuries in his next two Tests, and has made starts in most matches since.

"Freedom - with patience" seems to be his message to the players.

"It's about keeping your mind free," he said during the series against New Zealand last summer. "If you, at any time, feel like you should play the reverse-sweep, but you stop yourself, you're restricting yourself.

"There are times when you can get runs from that shot, and when it's a safe option. It's about being relaxed. Freedom doesn't mean swinging at every ball. It's about playing with confidence."

With big first-innings scores expected to be important, Karunaratne's batting - and how well his message is received - could be key to Sri Lanka's chances.

Is there a spin king?
When England last toured in 2018 they were braced for a trial by spin after seeing South Africa fold on turning pitches.

But it was England's spinners who shone as Moeen Ali, Adil Rashid and Jack Leach combined to take 48 wickets and set up a series win.

This time around there isn't much spinning experience on either side.

Ali and Rashid are absent - replaced by Dom Bess and Matt Parkinson - and Dilruwan Perera is the most experienced Sri Lankan spinner with 41 Tests under his belt. Left-armers Lasith Embudleniya and Lakshan Sandakan - the other two specialist spinners in the squad - have played 18 Tests between them.

"There are few options but we need to give them confidence by playing them," he said.

"Because if you keep changing players you don't build the confidence, that's very important. Especially for the spinners, when they keep playing they will learn a lot of things. They need to stay in the game. When you keep playing regularly, then you will collect those experience, knowledge and everything. Once you get that confidence then you will start to perform."

How much the spinners impact the series remains to be seen, with Arthur suggesting they might not come into play later on.

"The pitches will play a role but they've been good of late. I'm certainly not in the game of wanting massive raging turners from ball one. Your first innings needs to be good. Your spin needs to come into the game on day three and your quicks still need to play a role early on."

https://www.skysports.com/cricket/n...th-karunaratne-lift-sri-lanka-against-england
 
ENG 170/1 (47.0 Ovs) • SLBPXI
Day 1: 2nd Session - England opt to bat

Zak Crawley 101*
 
ECB is thinking about recalling their team from Sri Lanka. Another possibility is that the series is played behind closed doors.
 
All-rounder Ben Stokes has withdrawn from England's warm-up match in Sri Lanka to undergo abdominal tests - but team management say it is not linked to any coronavirus concerns.

Stokes, 28, was replaced in the batting order on day one of the tour match against a President's XI by Ollie Pope.

On day two, Stokes pulled out of the match in Colombo and has been replaced by leg-spinner Matt Parkinson.

Captain Joe Root completed his century on day two as England posted 463.

Zak Crawley had hit a century on day one of the four-day warm-up game.

The England and Wales Cricket Board said Stokes will "remain at the team hotel and full reports are awaited from London".

"To be clear, this is not a viral issue or linked to COVID-19."

England's two-Test series against Sri Lanka is scheduled to start on 19 March in Galle.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/51868295
 
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic worsening globally, and after discussions with Sri Lanka Cricket, we have today made the decision to return our players to the U.K and postpone the forthcoming Test series between Sri Lanka and England.

At this time, the physical and mental wellbeing of our players and support teams is paramount. We will now look to bring them home to their families as soon as possible. These are completely unprecedented times, and decisions like this go beyond cricket.

We would like to thank our colleagues at Sri Lanka Cricket for their outstanding support and assistance throughout this situation. We look forward to returning to Sri Lanka in the very near future to fulfil this important Test series​.
 
ECB:

We are undertaking a number of steps to prepare for potential outcomes that an ongoing situation with Covid-19 might bring for the cricket community here in England and Wales.

In conjunction with our partners across the network, we are building contingency plans across a number of possible eventualities.

Our main priorities are to ensure we scope out the landscape for financial, logistical and scheduling implications.

It is difficult for us to be sure of what outcomes the game might be expected to deal with. Therefore, we will continue to plan for the expectation that the season proceeds as normal, but in parallel prepare for a range of scenarios. These could include the possibility of playing matches behind closed doors, or potentially postponing or cancelling elements of the season.

We continue to enjoy constructive dialogue with DCMS and also our commercial and broadcast partners – who match our ambitions to see the game of cricket thrive in 2020 and beyond. We are certain that jointly, we will all come to solutions that best protect those who love cricket, and the game itself.
 
England captain Joe Root says the he feels "a relief" that the Test Series in Sri Lanka was called off amid fears over the spread of coronavirus.

The two-Test series was due to begin in Galle on 19 March and a warm-up fixture was abandoned on Friday when the decision was made to return to the UK.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said the mental and physical wellbeing of players was paramount.

"The right decision has been made," Root said before the flight home.

"There was an element of relief. You could see looking at the players that their minds were elsewhere, thinking about people back home. Now that we can go and look after families and be with loved ones that's put a lot of guys at ease.

"Naturally there was a lot of talk in the dressing room and it got to a stage where it overshadowed the cricket.

"Looking at how quickly things have happened at home, you're thinking about family and friends who might be a bit more vulnerable and that's hard when you're a long way away.

"It was clear it was getting in the way of performance and affecting the mental wellbeing of the guys."

Friday's decision to cancel the series followed a move to delay the start of the 2020 Indian Premier League season until 15 April.

Australia's one-day international series against New Zealand has also been postponed because of coronavirus after initially being moved behind closed doors.

The World Health Organization reports more than 142,000 cases of the virus globally and over 5,300 deaths.

England's next scheduled fixture is on 4 June when they meet West Indies in the first of three Tests.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/51887009
 
England’s Test tour of Sri Lanka, which could not be completed in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, has been rescheduled to January next year, claims SLC CEO Ashley de Silva.

England had spent around 10 days in Sri Lanka in March and played a warm-up match before the tour was called-off due to the coronavirus outbreak. It was supposed to be a two-Test series as part of the World Test Championship.

“We are in the process of rescheduling the tours that have been postponed. England has been already rescheduled for the month of January next year but the dates have not been finalised,” de Silva told Daily News.

“At the same time, we are also looking at exploring the possibility of rescheduling postponed tours and looking at the windows which are available and alternatives too.

“South Africa is one of the tours which we are looking at rescheduling. We are engaged in discussions with the member countries and see how it can be planned out.”

However, England are scheduled to tour India in January for a five-Test series, so, it remains to be seen how the scheduling will work out. All cricketing activity has come to a halt due to the pandemic, throwing the international calendar haywire.

India too were scheduled to tour Sri Lanka for a limited overs series after the IPL, which has been postponed indefinitely.

“There are also two other tours which are scheduled to take place, with India and Bangladesh due to tour Sri Lanka in June-July and July-August respectively.

“We will explore the possibility of playing those two tours in another week or two,” de Silva added.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cric...ims-slc-ceo/story-M375z0oolKGqs4Cr3p2DGM.html
 
cricket.mad said:
How frequently do England tour SL..they were there at the end of 2018 and again for a test series!!
Click to expand...

England likes to tour tourist countries/islands for cricket such as Sri, Caribbean and UAE.

They like to play in Dubai due to luxury/shopping malls but will not travel to third world country to play cricket such as India, Bangladesh and etc.

If England gets a chance to play West Indies in
caribbean every year, they will take the offer without any thoughts.
 
cricket.mad said:
How frequently do England tour SL..they were there at the end of 2018 and again for a test series!!
Click to expand...

Only 2 Tests.
Before 2018 they toured in early 2012 and again it was just 2 Tests. Before that toured in 2007 and 2000.
 
The schedule for England Men’s Test tour of Sri Lanka has been confirmed. England will play two Test matches behind closed doors at the Galle International Cricket Stadium from next month.

The England and Wales Cricket Board and Sri Lanka Cricket have agreed to biosecurity and travel plans for what is a rearranged tour following the postponement in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The first Test will commence on 14-18 January with the second Test on 22-26 January.

The touring party will depart on a chartered flight on 2 January and will be subject to quarantine in Hambantota. During this period, the team will be able to train and prepare for five days from 5-9 January at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium.

The two-match Test series forms part of the ICC World Test Championship. This will be England’s penultimate series in the inaugural tournament, and they hope to conclude their campaign against India in February, subject to confirmation of the India tour schedule.

England Tour of Sri Lanka – January 2021
Saturday 2 January: Touring party departs from London to Hambantota
Tuesday 5-9 January: Training and preparation at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium, Hambantota
Thursday 14-18 January: 1st Test match – Sri Lanka v England, Galle International Cricket Stadium, Galle
Friday 22-26 January: 2nd Test match – Sri Lanka v England, Galle International Cricket Stadium, Galle
Wednesday 27 January: Touring party departs Sri Lanka
 
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National Selectors name squad for England men’s Test tour of Sri Lanka

The England National Selectors have named a 16-strong squad and seven travelling reserves for the men’s Test tour of Sri Lanka.

The touring party depart on 2 January and will play two Test matches behind closed doors at Galle International Cricket Stadium on 14-18 January and 22-26 January.

England Men’s Test Squad:

Joe Root (Yorkshire) (captain), Moeen Ali (Worcestershire), James Anderson (Lancashire), Jonathan Bairstow (Yorkshire), Dom Bess (Yorkshire), Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire), Jos Buttler (Lancashire), Zak Crawley (Kent), Sam Curran (Surrey), Ben Foakes (Surrey), Dan Lawrence (Essex), Jack Leach (Somerset), Dom Sibley (Warwickshire), Olly Stone (Warwickshire), Chris Woakes (Warwickshire), Mark Wood (Durham).

Reserves:

James Bracey (Gloucestershire), Mason Crane (Hampshire), Saqib Mahmood (Lancashire), Craig Overton (Somerset), Matthew Parkinson (Lancashire), Ollie Robinson (Sussex), Amar Virdi (Surrey).

Jofra Archer and Ben Stokes have been rested for the tour and will return in February for the Test series against India.

The National Selectors will provide a block of rest for all multi-format players at various points over the winter period.

Surrey batsman Rory Burns misses the tour as his wife is expecting their first child during the second week of January.

Ollie Pope, who is recovering from a shoulder injury sustained in September during the Test series against Pakistan, will join the squad and continue his rehab in readiness for the four-match Test series against India starting in February.

Ends

England Tour of Sri Lanka – January 2021

Saturday 2 January: Touring party departs from London to Hambantota

Tuesday 5-9 January: Training and preparation at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium, Hambantota

Thursday 14-18 January: 1st Test match – Sri Lanka v England, Galle International Cricket Stadium, Galle

Friday 22-26 January: 2nd Test match – Sri Lanka v England, Galle International Cricket Stadium, Galle

Wednesday 27 January: Touring party departs Sri Lanka
 
Stokes and Archer rested again? England need to win the series to have any chance of qualifying for the test championship final.

Bairstow recalled again . Buttler has done enough to keep his place to Bairstow will have to play as a specialist batter.
 
Hasan123 said:
Stokes and Archer rested again? England need to win the series to have any chance of qualifying for the test championship final.

Bairstow recalled again . Buttler has done enough to keep his place to Bairstow will have to play as a specialist batter.
Click to expand...

You'd assume Stokes will quite possibly be travelling to NZ again requiring another 2 week quarantine + whatever time he spends there.
 
HitWicket said:
You'd assume Stokes will quite possibly be travelling to NZ again requiring another 2 week quarantine + whatever time he spends there.
Click to expand...

Could be that which is fair enough. Not sure about Archer being left out. This series is a while away and he would have had a long break by then.
 
Hasan123 said:
Stokes and Archer rested again? England need to win the series to have any chance of qualifying for the test championship final.

Bairstow recalled again . Buttler has done enough to keep his place to Bairstow will have to play as a specialist batter.
Click to expand...

They are proberly thinking about the india series and they expect to beat sri Lanka even with couple of startimg xi missing
 
Hasan123 said:
Stokes and Archer rested again? England need to win the series to have any chance of qualifying for the test championship final.
Click to expand...

It's quite sad that the game is currently in a position where you have cricketers preferring to collect their money playing pyjama cricket and then choosing to rest for international fixtures.
 
shamaan said:
They are proberly thinking about the india series and they expect to beat sri Lanka even with couple of startimg xi missing
Click to expand...

Apparently Buttler will be rested for 2 tests against India as well. I get that being in the bubble is difficult but England need wins to get into the test championship final. Not sure this is the time to rest players.
 
Hasan123 said:
Apparently Buttler will be rested for 2 tests against India as well. I get that being in the bubble is difficult but England need wins to get into the test championship final. Not sure this is the time to rest players.
Click to expand...

Defonitely not the time to rest players they should make sure they dont play t20 leagues and concentrate on international
 
shamaan said:
Defonitely not the time to rest players they should make sure they dont play t20 leagues and concentrate on international
Click to expand...

The IPL is after this series, so players like Buttler and Stokes will be in a bubble for 3/4 months if they play in all formats. That is why I think they have rested and will rest some players for their Asian tour. I just don't get why they would rest for the tests when they need points for the test championship. In LO, they know their best 11 anyway.
 
Hasan123 said:
The IPL is after this series, so players like Buttler and Stokes will be in a bubble for 3/4 months if they play in all formats. That is why I think they have rested and will rest some players for their Asian tour. I just don't get why they would rest for the tests when they need points for the test championship. In LO, they know their best 11 anyway.
Click to expand...

England don't care that much about tests unless it's a home series or vs Australia or India. Just look at Joe Roots interviews in the last year and a half. half the time he's talking about Ashes 2021, as if other series are just practice games leading up to it.
 
aloo paratha said:
England don't care that much about tests unless it's a home series or vs Australia or India. Just look at Joe Roots interviews in the last year and a half. half the time he's talking about Ashes 2021, as if other series are just practice games leading up to it.
Click to expand...

I think they will want to in the test championship final though. But seems as though they want to protect player welfare which is understandable.
 
Hasan123 said:
I think they will want to in the test championship final though. But seems as though they want to protect player welfare which is understandable.
Click to expand...

Realistically the championship is a lost cause for them. They can't beat India even if they go full strength.
 
aloo paratha said:
Realistically the championship is a lost cause for them. They can't beat India even if they go full strength.
Click to expand...

True, I just thought it was worth a try but after looking at their schedule I can understand why they rested players against Sri Lanka and will rest players against India.
 
Hasan123 said:
The IPL is after this series, so players like Buttler and Stokes will be in a bubble for 3/4 months if they play in all formats. That is why I think they have rested and will rest some players for their Asian tour. I just don't get why they would rest for the tests when they need points for the test championship. In LO, they know their best 11 anyway.
Click to expand...

Well they should choose thier country over leagues and ecb to set the standards by making aware of the consequences this is the reason why I don't mind amir not playing for pakistan as he choose domestic over international
 
In spite of England whitewashing them last time around, you would still back Sri Lanka in a home series against most teams excluding India.

However, Mickey Arthur is a terrible Test coach - he has absolutely no idea how to build a successful squad in this format. He is a white ball specialist and got really lucky with South Africa where he had some outstanding cricketers.

It will not be surprising at all if Sri Lanka get worse and worse in Test cricket on his watch.
 
England test side to tour SL

It’s Joe Root (capt), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Dom Bess, Stuart Broad, Jos Buttler (wk), Zak Crawley, Sam Curran, Ben Foakes (wk), Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Dom Sibley, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood

Stokes and Archer are rested. Burns’ wife is having a child. Pope is recovering from a shoulder injury

I would go in with

Sibley
Crawley
Bairstow (have to put him somewhere)
Root
Buttler
Moeen
Foakes (w)
Woakes or Curran
Broad or Anderson
Wood
Leach

Doesn’t look good.....
 
Robert said:
It’s Joe Root (capt), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Dom Bess, Stuart Broad, Jos Buttler (wk), Zak Crawley, Sam Curran, Ben Foakes (wk), Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Dom Sibley, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood

Stokes and Archer are rested. Burns’ wife is having a child. Pope is recovering from a shoulder injury

I would go in with

Sibley
Crawley
Bairstow (have to put him somewhere)
Root
Buttler
Moeen
Foakes (w)
Woakes or Curran
Broad or Anderson
Wood
Leach

Doesn’t look good.....
Click to expand...

Thats the line up i would go with
 
The following squad will take part in the upcoming Test Series Sri Lanka will play with South Africa and England. The squad was approved by the Minister of Youth and Sports Honorable Namal Rajapaksa.

01) Dimuth Karunaratne – Captain
02) Kusal Janith Perera
03) Dinesh Chandimal
04) Kusal Mendis
05) Angelo Mathews
06) Oshada Fernando
07) Dhananjaya De Silva
08) Niroshan Dickwella
09) Minod Bhanuka
10) Lahiru Thirimanne
11) Lasith Embuldeniya
12) Wanindu Hasaranga
13) Dilruwan Perera
14) Suranga Lakmal
15) Lahiru Kumara
16) Vishwa Fernando
17) Kasun Rajitha
18) Dushmantha Chameera
19) Dasun Shanaka
20) Santhush Gunathilake
21) Asitha Fernando
22) Dilshan Madushanka
 
England will be allowed to fly to Sri Lanka for next month's Tests despite flights from Britain being suspended because of the new variant of Covid-19.

They will fly on a chartered plane and take coronavirus tests before departure and upon their expected arrival in Sri Lanka on 3 January.

They will then spend 10 days in a bio-secure bubble before the first of two Tests starts in Galle on 14 January.

Sri Lanka Cricket say England are "satisfied" with the arrangements.

The country suspended all direct flights from Britain on Tuesday.

Despite a recent spike, Sri Lanka has recorded 38,000 coronavirus cases with 183 deaths.
 
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The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) can confirm that those team members and support staff who returned on 10 December from South Africa, as part of England men’s white-ball tour, have been following the Elite Sports International guidance concerning activity in the UK. During this period, they have undergone on-going symptom and testing checks and will not need to quarantine.

Regarding the England men’s Test squad and support staff, they will continue to prepare as normal ahead of the Sri Lanka Test tour. The touring party is due to leave on 2 January 2021. The ECB will continue to monitor the on-going situation in respect of international travel and working closely with Sri Lanka Cricket.
 
Following the covid-19 testing on 30 December, the touring party for the Sri Lanka Test tour have all tested negative.

They will fly tomorrow evening.
 
England captain Joe Root is confident any positive COVID-19 tests in the squad would not force the cancellation of their two-Test tour of Sri Lanka this month, but said his side would have to keep a close watch on their physical and mental wellbeing.

Part of the World Test Championship, the series was scheduled to take place in March last year but was postponed following the COVID-19 pandemic. It will now begin on Jan. 14.

England’s one-day international series in South Africa last month was postponed after breaches of the teams’ bio-secure environment in Cape Town, but Sri Lanka’s tour of South Africa and Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand have both gone ahead despite positive cases in the squads.

“I don’t think it (positive cases) will result in an automatic end,” Root told reporters. “The reality is around the rest of the world… teams have had to deal with positive cases… We have to manage it as best we can.”

Root said the team would be travelling with a psychologist to help them cope with the challenges posed by playing during a pandemic.

“There’s going to be a little bit of extra support for the players in terms of a psychologist on the ground at all times, making sure there’s someone to speak to,” he added.

“If at any stage it becomes too much, they are entitled to get out… As captain, a big part of my role is to make sure people are comfortable.”

England are fourth in the World Test Championship standings behind Australia, India and New Zealand and Root said his side must “play out of our skin” if they are to reach the final, which will be contested between the top two teams at Lord’s in June.

“We know we are not totally best placed at the moment, but we have a good opportunity to win games now,” he said. “All we can do is look after those performances.”
 
Following PCR tests administered on arrival at the airport in Hambantota on Sunday 3rd January, The England and Wales Cricket Board can confirm that Moeen Ali has tested positive for COVID-19.

Ali will now observe a period of 10-days self-isolation, in accordance with the Sri Lanka Government’s protocol on quarantine.

Chris Woakes has been deemed as a possible close contact, and he will observe a period of self-isolation and further testing.

The touring party will be PCR tested for a second time on Tuesday morning. At this stage, the team will train for the first time on Wednesday.

Moeen will be moved to new accommodation after the PCR tests tomorrow. This will be located in Galle.
 
England's touring party in Sri Lanka have passed coronavirus tests having been retested after all-rounder Moeen Ali's positive result on Monday.

All of the players and staff had a lateral flow test and PCR at England's base in Hambantota.

England can start restricted training on Wednesday, and the touring party must undergo a third test on Thursday.

Moeen tested positive on arrival in Sri Lanka and is isolating for 10 days at the team hotel in Hambantota.

The original accommodation he was due to go to in Galle had building work on-site and the alternative option was not up to standard as per the protocols. He returned on Tuesday evening and is now staying in a separate wing away from the England team.

Fellow all-rounder Chris Woakes was deemed as a possible close contact, having shared a car to the airport with Moeen in the UK. He tested negative but will continue to isolate in his room.

Meanwhile, BBC Sport has learned Sri Lanka, who lost the second Test against South Africa in Johannesburg on Tuesday, will not face a 10-day quarantine period upon their return to the country.

They will fly back on a chartered flight and, as they are transferring from one bio-secure bubble to another, a quarantine period has been deemed unnecessary.

They are expected to have PCR tests before being cleared to play in the two-Test series that starts in Galle on 14 January.
 
England have been given the green light to step up their preparations in Sri Lanka, beginning with an intra-squad warm-up match in Hambantota, after returning a second clear round of Covid-19 tests.
 
Team Root vs Team Buttler Update

Team Root: 184-2 (50)

Joe Root. 74 (117)

Lawrence. 46 (66)

Partnership 95(129)
 
Warm-up match abandoned because of heavy rain

England's intra-squad warm-up match in Sri Lanka was abandoned after heavy rain prevented a ball from being bowled on the second and final day.

Captain Joe Root hit 74 not out on day one before his side declared on 184-2 off 50 overs.

Jos Buttler's team struggled in reply, despite an unbeaten 58 from Ollie Pope, and were due to resume on 120-6, trailing by 64 runs.

But persistent rain meant no play was possible in Hambantota on Saturday.

England will now head to Galle for the first of two Tests against Sri Lanka, starting on Thursday.

All-rounder Chris Woakes, who has been in isolation in his hotel room, will join the rest of the squad for training on Sunday or Monday.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/55600126
 
Moeen is out of the first test and Woakes looking iffy. In which case I reckon:

Sibley
Crawley
Bairstow
Root (capt),
Buttler
Foakes (wk)
Curran
Bess
Broad
Wood
Leach

It's not an encouraging sight....
 
Robert said:
Moeen is out of the first test and Woakes looking iffy. In which case I reckon:

Sibley
Crawley
Bairstow
Root (capt),
Buttler
Foakes (wk)
Curran
Bess
Broad
Wood
Leach

It's not an encouraging sight....
Click to expand...

It'll be Lawrence in for Foakes and up to 5 with I reckon Anderson/Broad and Wood/Stone probably rotating with a game each. I'm still fairly confident with that lineup.
 
England all-rounder Moeen Ali's time in quarantine in Sri Lanka has been extended for a few days - The 33-year-old now looks unlikely to play any part in the Test series
 
The following squad has been chosen by the National Selectors to take part in the Two Match Test Series Sri Lanka will play with England, Under the ICC World Test Championship.

The squad was approved by the Minister of Youth and Sports Honorable Namal Rajapaksa.

01) Dimuth Karunaratne – Captain
02) Kusal Janith Perera
03) Dinesh Chandimal
04) Kusal Mendis
05) Angelo Mathews
06) Oshada Fernando
07) Niroshan Dickwella
08) Minod Bhanuka
09) Lahiru Thirimanne
10) Lasith Embuldeniya
11) Wanindu Hasaranga
12) Dilruwan Perera
13) Suranga Lakmal
14) Lahiru Kumara
15) Vishwa Fernando
16) Dushmantha Chameera
17) Dasun Shanaka
18) Asitha Fernando
19) Roshen Silva
20) Lakshan Sandakan
21) Nuwan Pradeep
22) Ramesh Mendis
 
Sri Lanka coach Mickey Arthur promises England a trial by spin: ‘It would be stupid not to’

‘These are our own conditions where we’re comfortable and we are certainly going to try to exploit these conditions and play to our strengths’ - Mickey Arthur to Saj


PRI_178470602-640x360.jpg


Sri Lanka head coach Mickey Arthur is glad that despite the Covid-19 pandemic, some normality has returned to sport, including the measured return of international cricket. He says his side expect to exploit spin conditions against England in the upcoming two-match series.

“It is amazing that we’re playing during these worrying times,” he said. “We have got Test cricket taking place and Twenty20 leagues have also been revived which is great news and a fantastic achievement.

“I would like to congratulate cricket authorities and health organisations around the world for their roles in getting cricket restarted and back on track.”

A 2-0 loss in South Africa was not the outcome the former Pakistan coach had expected, but he said there were valid reasons for his side’s disappointing result.

“It was disappointing, especially after day one at Centurion when we were in the box seat and the fact is that not many teams get 400 at Centurion and end up losing. Obviously picking up the injuries didn’t help, and that was down to the Covid times we live in as our guys had just come out of the Sri Lanka Premier League and weren’t really conditioned to play Test cricket.”

Teams struggling away from home in Test cricket is not a new phenomenon but Arthur says it’s the teams that do well on foreign tours that are the best in the business.

PRI_177360289-760x534.jpg


“The best teams in the world win away from home as that’s where you test yourself,” he said. “Winning away from home is a team’s greatest challenge, and that’s what makes it so special. Those are challenges that, if you want to become the best in the world, you’ve got to make happen.”

Arthur’s current focus, however, is on the upcoming series against a confident England side. He’s hoping that his team can make home advantage count.

“We’re feeling confident and we know that we play well at home in familiar conditions. However, regardless of where we play, I want my boys to keep playing our positive and attacking brand of cricket and hopefully that will bring success.”

England’s recent successes against West Indies, Pakistan and South Africa have left no doubts in Arthur’s mind about the difficult challenge that Joe Root’s men present: “There’s no doubt England are a very good team. They’re the team that has probably played the most cricket in recent times. They’re always very well coached, and we’re going to have to play really well to beat them.”

While the Sri Lankans do not have the star-power of yesteryear in their midst, Arthur is confident they still have what it takes to beat the world’s best teams.

“We’re busy building a team that we feel can challenge others in all formats,” he said. “It’ll take a bit of time, but I think we’ve got players with a lot of skill. We’re starting to create a little bit of depth which is a by-product of recent injuries, which has allowed players opportunities that they normally would not have had.”

Taking on an England side which is placed fourth in ICC’s Test rankings is a challenge Arthur feels is likely to put to test the collective skills of the hosts.


PRI_178471011-760x483.jpg


“Facing England is a massive challenge, but then we want to challenge ourselves and perform against the best teams such as England. It’s great for our youngsters to test their skills and see what they need to do to reach the heights that England have.”

James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Joe Root are just some of the names that Sri Lanka will face.

“They’re phenomenal and exceptional cricketers and household names around the world. So, for us to compete against them is fantastic, because our players get to see exactly where they fit in and where they sit in the cricketing food chain.”

It’s no secret that a “trial by spin” awaits England, a fact acknowledged by Arthur and one that he feels should provide for an absorbing contest.

“The ball does turn here and that’s our strength.

“These are our own conditions where we’re comfortable and we are certainly going to try to exploit these conditions and play to our strengths – it would be stupid not to.”

https://inews.co.uk/sport/cricket/sri-lanka-england-test-series-spin-bowling-mickey-arthur-827783
 
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Gall weather is pretty terrible next few days. Not sure if we will get a result unless the weather changes or one of the team decides to provide some entertainment.
 
The National Selectors released 5 players from the National Test Squad currently taking part in the ongoing Test Series vs England.

Accordingly, Dimuth Karunaratne ( due to injury), Kusal Mendis, Minod Bhanuka, Lahiru Kumara, and Nuwan Pradeep will head home tonight ( 19th January 2021).

The released players will return to training at the High-Performance Center in Colombo.

Whilst in the absence of Dimuth Karunaratne, Dinesh Chandimal will continue to Captain the team in the 2nd test match, as well.
 
SLC wishes to submit the following clarification pertaining to several media reports, published in the recent days which purported to have been claimed that a national player, who is currently in the test squad playing against England and a female health official assigned to the team have misbehaved inappropriately.
In consideration of the seriousness of the alleged incident which was reported by the mainstream Media, SLC has instructed the Team Manager Mr. Asantha De Mel to submit a report into the incident forthwith in order to find out the veracity of the said news reports.

SLC wishes to state that once the Team Manager submits his report, an inquiry will be conducted into the alleged incident if the findings of the report warrant such an inquiry.
SLC holds a zero-tolerance policy against misbehavior and stern action will be taken against any party if proven guilty.
 
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