Michael Roberts
I have not kept track of the cricketing scenario in Sri Lanka and the personnel who take the selectorial decisions. Nor did I watch the Third ODI match at the P-Sara Stadium live on web [though I tracked it for a while [on ESPN Web-script].
From this position of an ignoramus. I would like to know (A) whether Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera & Dasun Shanaka are not considered 50-over players; and (B) whether Angelo Matthews and Chandimal are regarded as old and fading.
From this weak background, let me essay a few THOUGHTS.
- In the present cricketing scenario Steven Smith and Joe Root stand out as outstanding batsmen because of their skill levels and consistency. Joe Root was the pillar around which the England triumph at Khettarama evolved. This means that Sri Lanka must work out a means of winkling him out.
- This England team has many bowlers who are quite decent batsmen. Sam Curran is a doughty fighter and a bowler who does not throw his wicket away. Overton played for the Adelaide Strikers in the recent Aussie 20-over series as a bowler; but also displayed six-&-boundary hitting skills that are frightening. In this last match their batting was not needed; such was the strength of the England XI and their comand of the chase.