How will an ODI series help prepare for a T20I series and a T20 World Cup?

Sri Lanka Captain Charith Asalanka and England Captain Harry Brook with the Damro Cup that will be awarded to the winner of the three-match ODI series

• Captains express different views
• Three-match ODI series between Sri Lanka and England commences today

By Sa’adi Thawfeeq

Rival Captains Charith Asalanka and Harry Brook expressed different views when asked how a three-match ODI series can help their teams prepare for a three-match T20I series and a T20 World Cup.

Sri Lanka and England will meet in a three-match ODI series for the Damro Cup at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium commencing today at 2:30 p.m.

“Not ideal perhaps for T20 cricket,” said Sri Lanka ODI Captain Charith Asalanka at the pre-match media conference yesterday. “A few guys who play in the T20s are in the ODI side as well. They get a chance to bat and bowl for long periods. It will probably help in a few ways.”

“It’s an opportunity to get used to the conditions, with the T20 World Cup being played in Sri Lanka and in India. It’s a great opportunity to get used to the surface, climate, and the heat. We are looking forward to a competitive series against a great nation where there are plenty of good players. Looking forward to the battles,” said England white-ball skipper Harry Brook.

Sri Lanka have not met England in an ODI game since the 2023 Cricket World Cup, where Sri Lanka won by 8 wickets at Bengaluru, and in a bilateral ODI series in Sri Lanka since 2018, when England won 3-1. So, there is much to play for between the two countries as they try to make use of these matches to prepare for next month’s ICC T20 World Cup.

Both teams are coming into this series following 3-0 losses – Sri Lanka to Pakistan and England to New Zealand. England’s ODI record since the 2023 Cricket World Cup is so bad that they have won only one bilateral series out of seven, while Sri Lanka on the other hand have won eight out of 11. So, it’s no surprise to see Sri Lanka ranked above England – fifth and eighth.

“Pakistan was a disappointment. We slipped and the momentum went away from us. But this series gives us an opportunity to address those issues,” said Asalanka. “England is a good team. We have to make sure that we avoid the errors of the last series. For example, we didn’t score a hundred in Pakistan and that was a drawback. We need to trust our process. We always want to win.”

Sri Lanka are without fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera, who has a groin strain and been left out of the ODI squad, and leg-spinning all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga, who is struggling with an old hamstring injury. With the T20 World Cup barely two weeks away, Sri Lanka are unlikely to risk these two match-winners in the ODI series.

“It’s a huge loss that we don’t have Chameera. I guess the selectors made a decision thinking of the World Cup. Wanindu is in the squad but we haven’t made a decision as yet. As Captain, I would have liked to have both players in my side,” said Asalanka.

With Dhananjaya de Silva being brought into the squad, Asalanka said: “The selectors took that decision thinking on the fact that Dhananjaya de Silva can bat in the top three in the line-up and then he can contribute with off-spin as well. Given his recent performance and the package he brings to the table with his all-round ability, I don’t think we have taken much out of him.”

Brook, speaking on England’s poor run since the 2023 World Cup, said: “We would like to be a little more consistent at times—absorb pressure and play well. We have lost a few series. I feel we are heading in the right direction and some very good players. We need to play as a team and move in the right direction. The approach is going to be straightforward. Identify situations and play those situations slightly better.”

“One of the key messages is to stay in the moment and take one ball at a time. You have a much clearer mind when you are in that type of mindset. We can enter into some good positions and read situations well.”

Brook was mindful of what his team would expect in subcontinent conditions.

“Spin plays a big part over here and especially in India. High-class spinners can make a massive difference. It’s the same in most T20 cricket. You want the lads to be out in the park and use their skills in the field. Hopefully, we have all bases covered and have a good start.”

On the subject of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) clamping a midnight curfew for the England team for the rest of their winter tours, which includes Sri Lanka and the T20 World Cup, Brook said: “That’s something that has been put in place for the best of the team. Hopefully, it will bring the best performance from the players.”

Teams for today’s game

Sri Lanka Playing XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka (Captain), Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Dunith Wellalage, Jeffrey Vandersay, Pramod Madushan, Asitha Fernando.

England Playing XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (Captain), Jos Buttler (wk), Will Jacks, Sam Curran, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid.