The action gets hotter at Trent Bridge and at 1-2 down, England need to lift themselves up and level the five match series. Sri Lanka have cruised to two consecutive victories and they look a settled combination in the limited overs format.
England vs Sri Lanka: 4th ODI Preview
Young Dinesh Chandimal was instrumental in helping Sri Lanka take the lead in the series with a measured knock. Kumar Sangakkara has been among the runs in the series and continues to be the lynchpin of Sri Lanka’s batting. Tillekeratne Dilshan is due for a big score, while Mahela Jayawerdene seems to revel in his new found role as opener. Angelo Mathews continues to lend stability to the lower middle order while Thilina Kandamby will hope to come good soon. In the bowling front Malinga, Jeevan Mendis, Randiv, Kulasekara and Lakmal are proving very effective in stifling the English batsmen.
England have problems at the top of the order, where Kieswetter keeps getting out and Alastair Cook and Jonathan Trott cannot seem to get out off second gear. Kevin Pietersen ad Eoin Morgan have invariably tried to get the innings going but have got out after getting starts, which seem to leave them a good 25 runs short. Ian Bell has also been in good form but the top order needs to fire on Wednesday. Samit Patel could make his way into the team in place of Broad which would add even more depth to the batting. Stuart Broad though has been given a vote of confidence by his captain, and hence could be retained despite having not picked up a wicket in the series. Graeme Swann will once again be the lone spinner while James Anderson and Jade Dernbach complete the line up.
England will be hoping for overcast conditions and swing to make life difficult for the visitors. Sri Lanka though have all the momentum and the edge going into this crucial encounter.
Tags: 4th ODI, Cricket, England, ODI Match, Preview, Sri Lanka
