ENG vs SL 1st Test Match Prediction- Who Will Win Today's Match Between England and Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka returns to England for a Test series after nearly eight years. The gap between both sides is evident with Sri Lanka getting very few opportunities to visit SENA countries. England though will not be looking at the opponents too much. They have a challenge within their own side with Ben Stokes out injured for potentially the rest of the summer. Ollie Pope though gets his own taste of leadership and will be eager after having showed leadership qualities numerous times, especially when he made the shift to number three early in his career.

ENG vs SL Match Details

Date: August 21st, 2024

Time:  3:30 PM IST

Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester

ENG vs SL Weather Report

Warm weather and rising temperatures are expected through the Test match.

ENG vs SL Pitch Report

With the season winding down the pitches could start being a little more worn. There will be some dryness and turn going around with pacers likely to have a role to play with seam and bounce rather than swing. Batting first could be a better choice.

ENG vs SL Predicted Playing XI

SL Playing XI

Dimuth Karunaratne, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, Prabath Jayasuriya, Kamindu Mendis, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando

ENG Playing XI

Ben Duckett, Dan Lawrence, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith, Jordan Cox, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir

See Also: Today’s Cricket Match Predictions – Cricket Winner

ENG vs SL Key Players

Dan Lawrence

Ben Stokes and Zak Crawley being injured leaves Dan Lawrence with an opportunity after seventeen Tests on the sidelines. He finally gets a go after a long break and Dan Lawrence, with Three Tests to prove himself will be hoping to make a mark.

Angelo Mathews

Mathews, the most experienced player in the line-up is one of the few survivors from Sri Lanka's last Test visit in England. He was the captain on that trip and returns with Sri Lanka still in a similar spot, struggling with their ever long transition from a golden phase before that 2016 tour.

ENG vs SL Match Tips

England could be favorites with home advantage and a talented line-up.

Match Prediction: England Will Win The Match