England vs Sri Lanka Preview: England Cricket at its finest

England Vs Sri Lanka is fast approaching! Sri Lanka’s white-ball tour of England rolls into two of the country’s most storied grounds this September. Emirates Old Trafford hosts the series-deciding third IT20 on Saturday 19 September, with England looking to seal a clean sweep after wins in Southampton and Cardiff. The tour then wraps up nine days later at The Kia Oval, where the third and final ODI on Sunday 27 September could well settle the fifty-over series after earlier games at Durham and Headingley.

Two very different stages for two very different deciders, but both venues have a habit of producing big finishes.

A rivalry built on surprises

England and Sri Lanka have been trading blows since Sri Lanka’s first tour of England back in 1984, and the fixture has a habit of throwing up results nobody sees coming.

The rivalry traces back to Sri Lanka’s first official tour of England, not long after they’d become the youngest side to earn Test status. In 1998 at The Oval Sri Lanka arrived for a one-off Test and left with an incredible 10-wicket win, this marked Sri Lanka’s first ever Test series victory on English grounds. This was led by Mettiah Meralitharan with a masterclass that remains as one of the best bowling performances in Test cricket history.

Another incredible clash of the two teams occurred in Cardiff in 2011; it was one of the most dramatic Tet turnarounds either side has produced. A match heading for a tame draw exploded on the final day as England ran through Sri Lanka’s second innings for just 82, with Christ Tremlett and Graeme Swann sharing eight wickets between them to seal an innings victory that had seemed impossible mere hours earlier.

Image source: www.icc-cricket.com

Top players to watch

Both sides will arrive packed with talent capable of turning a match in an instant. From explosive batting and powerful hitting to express pace, clever variations and match-winning spin, there will be plenty of individual battles to keep an eye on. Here are some of the key players to watch as two exciting international sides compete for honours this September.

Harry Brook

First, we have the England captain Harry Brook, he leads England into this series full of confidence after guiding the side to series wins over Sri Lanka earlier this year in both formats. His tactical calls and form at the top of the order will shape how aggressively England chase down totals at grounds like Old Trafford and The Oval.

Sam Curran

Next, we have Sam Curran, he has been Named Player of the Series the last time these two sides met in the T20 format, Curran’s ability to swing the new ball and finish an innings with the bat makes him one of England’s most valuable white-ball assets in home conditions.

Kusa Mendis

Kusa Mendis the Sri Lankan wicketkeeper is Sri Lanka’s most reliable run-scorer against England in recent times, Mendis top-scorer in the IT20 series earlier this year. A lot will hinge on him getting the tourists off to fast starts.

Matheesha Pathirana

Matheesha Pathirana is the slinger with the unmistakable action has been one of Sri Lanka’s standout bowlers against England this year. His unusual angle and pace at the death make him a genuine wicket-taking threat.

Watch it live in The Pegasus Lounge at…

The KIA Oval – ODI

Experience the ODI at The Kia Oval in style, with the opportunity to meet and hear from cricketing legend Phil Tufnell!

Enjoy a handmade artisan cocktail on arrival before settling in for a delicious gourmet buffet-style menu. With Pimm’s on tap, a complimentary bar and access to the exclusive Pegasus Lounge roof terrace, you can soak up the atmosphere before watching the action from premium padded seating in the JM Finn Stand.

Your hospitality includes:

• Meet and hear from cricketing legends
• Handmade artisan cocktail
• Gourmet buffet-style dining
• Pimm’s on tap
• Complimentary beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks
• Access to the VIP Pegasus Lounge roof terrace
• Premium Level 4 padded seating in the JM Finn Stand
• Fantastic views of the on-field action

Emirates Old Trafford – IT20

For the IT20 at Emirates Old Trafford, enjoy another incredible day in the Pegasus Lounge, where you can rub shoulders with cricketing great Sir Alastair Cook!

Your experience begins with Prosecco and fresh juice on arrival, followed by pre-lunch canapés and a delicious two-course buffet lunch. Take in the atmosphere from our private viewing terrace before enjoying the match from reserved padded balcony seating, with complimentary drinks available throughout your hospitality experience.

Your hospitality includes:

• Meet and hear from cricketing legends
• Prosecco and fresh juice on arrival
• Pre-lunch canapés
• Two-course buffet lunch
• Complimentary draught beer, wine, spirits and soft drinks
• Exclusive access to a private viewing terrace
• Reserved padded balcony seating
• Superb views of the cricket