2 days ago
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Roshan Abeysinghe and Steve Harmison are out in the middle. It’s dark in Pallekele and the floodlights turn the grass neon. They rave about Adil Rashid.
“He’s the only spin bowler to get bot the length right and also the pace,” says Harmy, resplendent in a purple linen shirt.
Sri Lanka XI
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Pavan Rathnayake, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka (capt), Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Eshan Malinga, Matheesha Pathirana.
England XI
England: Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (wk), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Harry Brook (capt), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid.
Ben Duckett has a finger injury.
England have won the toss and will bowl
Harry Brook fancies a repeat of the first game. Dasun Shanaka seems pleased too: “Happy to bat first as it’s a used wicket,” he says.
England are unchanged, Sri Lanka swap in Pavan Rathnayake and Dunith Wellalage for Dhanajaya de Silva and Maheesh Theekshana.
Reflections from our man in Sri Lanka
Taha Hashim
“No sign of rain at the Pallekele tonight. It’s a gorgeous sight at present: setting sun poking out the clouds, the grass banks filling up, Jofra Archer bowling leggies on the practice wicket.
That being said, I ventured out to the Asgiriya Stadium in Kandy this afternoon, which used to host international cricket in these parts and is owned by a school, and that was picturesquely tucked up on a hill. There was a school game going on, with one of the kids bowling some fizzy left-arm spin; Rangana Herath would’ve rated it. Worth a visit if you’re ever here. “
But hope for the future – a lovely interview with Australia U19 star Ollie Peake, the boy who used to sleep in his pads.
Australia, whose record in T20 World Cups doesn’t match their 50-over exploits, have had a dire preparation in Pakistan.
Preamble
Hello! Welcome back to Sri Lanka, where we’ve reached the business end of the tour – T20 preparation for the World Cup. England won the first one, a damp and drawn out affair -perked up by three wickets for Adil Rashid and a hat-trick for Sam Curran at the end.
Since then we’ve had another mea culpa from Harry Brook – this time admitting he had teammates out with the him the night of his altercation with a bouncer. Why they didn’t just get it all out in the open at the same time, beats me.
Anyway, we’re back in Pallekele, where play – rain permitting – is due to start at 1.30pm GMT. Sri Lanka will be keen for more wickets from a fit Matheesha Pathirana, and a better showing against spin from the batters. England are keen to clinch the series. Do join us to see how things pan out.
