England are a test away from completing a perfect Test summer. It has been going well for them with few challenges through the home season and Ollie Pope will be looking to finish with a good record as Captain in his first stint. 

ENG vs SL Match Details

Date: September 6th, 2024

Time:  3:30 PM IST

Venue: Oval, London

ENG vs SL Weather Report

The weather across London does not look to convincing with a lot of rain in the forecast across the Test.

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, Chris Woakes, Josh Hull, Gus Atkinson, Olly Stone, Shoaib Bashir

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

ENG vs SL Key Players

Josh Hull

The 20 year old, tall left arm seamer has been getting a lot of attention coming into the game. He had a good warm-up against Sri Lanka in a tour game and his potential looks really good with Josh Hull capable of getting the pace up.

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

Stuart Broad, renowned pace bowler of the England National Cricket Team, has responded to recent rumors regarding the exclusion of Virat Kohli, the esteemed batting stalwart of the India National Cricket Team, from the lineup for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, slated for June in the West Indies and USA.

On Tuesday, March 12, reports surfaced indicating uncertainty surrounding Virat Kohli’s inclusion in India’s T20 World Cup squad. According to sources cited by ‘The Telegraph,’ the BCCI selection committee, chaired by Ajit Agarkar, harbors doubts about Kohli’s batting suitability for the anticipated conditions of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and USA, particularly with expectations of slower-paced pitches during the tournament.

Empowering the selection committee and team management to make strategic decisions aimed at breaking India’s ICC title drought, the BCCI may opt for a squad reshuffle to prioritize aggressive batting, possibly favoring players like Shivam Dube over Kohli, as per reports.

Broad Challenges Reports, Backs Kohli for T20 World Cup

Allegedly, Ajit Agarkar advised Kohli to adopt a more attacking approach in T20Is, a suggestion Kohli tested during his return against Afghanistan in January, where he posted a promising 29 runs off 16 balls in his initial match but faced dismissal without scoring in the subsequent game.

“This can’t be true. Just from a fan’s point of view of growing the game, the ICC putting games on in America, India Vs Pakistan in New York, Virat is the biggest draw of any player in the world. I’m sure he will be selected,” the England National Cricket Team bowling great posted.

Kohli’s stellar T20I record, boasting 4037 runs in 117 matches at an impressive average of 51.75 and a strike rate of 138.15, highlights his significance. His remarkable performance in the T20 World Cup 2022, where he emerged as the tournament’s leading run-scorer and delivered a memorable innings against Pakistan under immense pressure, further underscores his indispensability to the Indian squad.

In light of Kohli’s consistent contributions and past successes, Broad’s skepticism towards reports of his exclusion resonates with many cricket enthusiasts, who await official announcements regarding India’s T20 World Cup squad selection.

Acknowledging James Anderson’s remarkable achievement of claiming 700 Test wickets, the England Cricket Board (ECB) bestowed upon him a special painting. Anderson, aged 42, carved his name into the annals of cricket history by becoming the first pace bowler and third overall bowler, following Shane Warne and Muttiah Muralitharan, to achieve this feat during the Dharamsala Test.

ECB’s social media channels featured a heartfelt video wherein Richard Thompson, ECB Chair, commended Anderson for his unparalleled accomplishment. Thompson expressed his belief that Anderson’s record of 700 Test wickets would stand the test of time. As a token of appreciation, Anderson was presented with a picturesque painting of the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala.

James Anderson’s Historic Milestone: Honored with a Special Painting by ECB

Adding another feather to his cap, Anderson dismissed Kuldeep Yadav against the backdrop of the Himalayan foothills during Day 3 of the 5th Test. This marked Anderson’s 187th Test match for England, a milestone unmatched by any other bowler. Despite England’s loss in the Test series against India, Anderson’s achievement will forever be etched in the annals of English cricket.

SEE ALSO: Watch:Rajasthan Royals unveil IPL Jersey honoring Women: “Empowering Women, Empowering India”

Reflecting on Anderson’s illustrious career that began in 2003, Thompson praised the veteran’s legacy and expressed pride in witnessing history unfold. He emphasized the unlikelihood of Anderson’s record being surpassed and hailed his exemplary dedication to the sport.

Thompson concluded by presenting Anderson with the painting as a symbol of gratitude from English cricket, acknowledging his enduring inspiration and the indelible legacy he leaves behind.

Due to a shortage of players, England had to bring in assistant coaches Marcus Trescothick and Paul Collingwood to serve as substitute fielders in the current fifth Test against India at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala.

In response, Trescothick and Collingwood, former players themselves, were drafted in as substitute fielders. This move mirrors a similar instance in 2020 when New Zealand enlisted an assistant coach as a fielder during an ODI against India.

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, England, led by Ben Stokes, made a solitary change in their playing eleven for the final Test, with Mark Wood stepping in for Robinson.

SEE ALSO: [Watch] Milestone and Memories: Prithi Ashwin shares emotional insights about husband’s 100th Test

Assistant Coaches Trescothick and Collingwood Sub in as England’s Fielders

Despite a victorious start to the tour with a win in the first Test in Hyderabad, England succumbed to India’s resurgence, losing the subsequent three matches, which led to India securing an insurmountable 3-1 lead.

Stokes, acknowledging the challenges, emphasized the significance of representing the country and commended the team’s resilience, stating, “It’s another opportunity to represent our country. Great experience for the boys to be part of this series and they have shown great character in their fight.”

England’s Playing XI for the fifth Test comprised Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Ben Stokes (c), Jonny Bairstow, Ben Foakes (w), Tom Hartley, Shoaib Bashir, Mark Wood, and James Anderson.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced the lineup for the last Test in the ongoing series against India. With just one alteration from the previous match, where they endured a defeat in Ranchi, England seeks redemption in the fifth Test commencing at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala on Thursday, March 7.

Mark Wood steps in for Ollie Robinson, while James Anderson retains his spot despite featuring in three consecutive Tests, merely two wickets away from the coveted 700 mark.

Battling for Redemption in Dharamsala Amidst Series Defeat

Robinson’s lackluster performance in Ranchi saw him exit the XI, despite his notable contribution with the bat alongside Joe Root. The official statement from England Men confirmed the change, asserting the team’s readiness for the final showdown.

England Playing XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes (C), Ben Foakes, Tom Hartley, Mark Wood, James Anderson, and Shoaib Bashir.

Ben Stokes, the England captain, accentuated the positives gleaned from their tour despite the series loss, highlighting significant improvements in fitness and overall performance.

SEE ALSO: [Watch] The wait is over, Dhoni’s new venture spotted in IPL 2024 Ad

England’s journey in India saw debutants Shoaib Bashir and Tom Hartley showcasing promising bowling displays, with Hartley’s seven-wicket haul in the series opener being particularly notable. Despite such individual efforts, England’s quest for victory remains unfulfilled, conceding the series 3-1 to the hosts.

Shubman Gill and Dhruv Jurel, the Indian batsmen, displayed remarkable composure as Rohit Sharma guided the team to a five-wicket triumph in the fourth Test match. The head coach of the Indian team, Rahul Dravid, was visibly animated as the hosts secured the victory, expressing rare emotion.

Known for his composed demeanor, Dravid’s elation highlighted the significance of the win, especially considering India’s 1-0 deficit after the initial Test. However, India’s stellar resurgence saw them clinch three consecutive victories, securing an insurmountable lead in the five-match series.

Dravid’s Emotional Response and Team Dynamics

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ꮪhubman Gill (@shubmangill)

Dravid’s jubilant presence in the dressing room was evident as he cheered when Dhruv Jurel struck the winning runs, followed by warm embraces for both Jurel and Shubman Gill as they returned to the dressing room.

This win held particular significance as it marked India’s first Test victory in India while chasing a target of over 150 runs since 2013. Additionally, it was India’s seventh Test series win after trailing 1-0. England, under the leadership of head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes, faced defeat in their first Test series. Despite holding a first-innings lead, England faltered in the second innings due to a lackluster batting performance.

Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin led the charge by claiming three early wickets in England’s second innings. His dismissals included Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope, both falling for low scores. Ashwin further dented England’s hopes by removing Joe Root, leaving them struggling at 65/3.

SEE ALSO: IND vs ENG: Ben Stokes believes Test cricket’s future is in the safe hands of youngsters

Kuldeep Yadav joined the onslaught by dismissing Zak Crawley and later accounted for Ben Stokes, while Ravindra Jadeja dismissed Jonny Bairstow. Yadav’s dominance continued with the scalps of Tom Hartley and Ollie Robinson, completing a four-wicket haul. Ashwin wrapped up the innings with two more wickets, completing a five-wicket haul.

Chasing a target of 192 in the second innings, openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma provided a solid start, adding 84 runs for the first wicket. Rohit Sharma notched up a well-deserved half-century before falling for 55 runs. Despite the dismissals of Jaiswal and subsequent batsmen, Shubman Gill and Dhruv Jurel ensured India’s victory with a composed display, guiding the team to a five-wicket triumph.

After a quiet start in the first three Tests of the India vs England series, Ravichandran Ashwin has rediscovered his form. Despite struggling in the initial seven innings, the esteemed off-spinner staged a remarkable comeback, clinching a magnificent and potentially match-winning 5-wicket haul.

Following his standout performance on day three of the Ranchi Test, Ashwin candidly discussed his challenges and the adjustments he had to make to regain his bowling prowess. Speaking with JioCinema after the day’s play concluded, the spinner revealed:

“I had to rethink my approach to the game. Typically, I rely on a top-spin delivery, aiming for the ball to bite into the pitch upon impact. However, in the eastern part of the country, I found that the pitches lacked the desired bite, with bounce levels barely reaching shin height. To generate the necessary side-spin, I had to adapt my strategy, focusing on driving the ball into the pitch during my initial spell. Subsequently, with the older ball, I noticed an increase in purchases from the other end. It required a mental shift on my part.”

Reflecting on his success with the new ball and the impact of receiving it for the first time in the India vs England Test series, Ravichandran Ashwin remarked:

“I relish the opportunity to bowl with the new ball, and today, when Rohit (Sharma) suggested that either Jadeja or I could start, I eagerly volunteered. The new ball seems to have a special connection with me; I find joy in bowling with slightly more pace.”

SEE ALSO: IND vs ENG 4th Test Day 3 Highlights: England all out for 145 and India needs 192 runs to Win

Ravichandran Ashwin equals Anil Kumble’s Record for Most Test Five-Wicket Hauls by an Indian

Ashwin surpassed Anil Kumble in the rankings of Indian bowlers with the most wickets in home Test matches, reaching a total of 354 wickets with his recent 5-wicket haul. This tally stands 5 wickets higher than Kumble’s record in home Tests.

Despite facing scrutiny for his inconsistency in the initial three tests of the series, Ashwin let his performance on the field speak volumes. Even after 20-year-old Shoaib Bashir’s impressive 5-wicket haul in the first innings of the Ranchi Test, Ashwin maintained his composure and focus.

Throughout the first three tests, Ashwin encountered an uncharacteristically challenging phase. With just 12 wickets across four matches, his series average soared to 38.83, a departure from his usual dominance. Additionally, his economy rate of approximately 4.05 indicated some unsettlement caused by the England batters.

Dinesh Karthik, the seasoned India wicket-keeper batter, didn’t shy away from addressing Ashwin’s below-par performance in the series. Speaking before Day 3 of the Ranchi Test, Karthik candidly pointed out Ashwin’s struggle, a sentiment echoed by many cricket enthusiasts. He highlighted that despite their relative inexperience in Indian conditions, the English spinners had outshone their Indian counterparts, including Ashwin.

Joe Root, the English batsman, notched his 47th international century, aligning himself with Indian captain Rohit Sharma and former South African batsman AB de Villiers. Root reached this milestone during the final session of Day 1 in the fourth Test against India at Ranchi’s JSCA International Stadium.

Having faced setbacks in the ongoing Test series, Root rediscovered his form in Ranchi, securing his 31st Test century. Departing from the aggressive ‘Baengzball’ approach on Day 1, Root achieved his first fifty-plus score in the series against India.

Root’s Milestone: Leveling Records and Setting New Benchmarks

England’s Joe Root showcased his prowess with the bat, securing his 47th international century and drawing level with India’s Rohit Sharma and former South African star AB de Villiers. Root reached the coveted three-figure mark during the final session of Day 1 in the fourth Test against India at the JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi.

After encountering a series of setbacks in the ongoing Test series, Root finally hit his stride in Ranchi, notching his 31st Test century. Departing from the aggressive ‘Bazball’ approach on Day 1, Root recorded his first fifty-plus score in the series against India.

This marked Root’s 13th Test century away from home and his third in India. Notably, he equaled former captain Andrew Strauss in registering the second-most Test centuries by an English batter in India, trailing only behind former skipper Alastair Cook. Additionally, Root matched legendary Australia captain Ricky Ponting in recording the most fifty-plus scores against India, tallying his 20th such score against the team. With this innings, he surpassed Cook to claim the record for the most fifty-plus scores in Tests for England, notching his 91st.

From Bazball to Traditional Approach

The ex-England skipper deviated from the ‘Bazball’ strategy, embracing a more conventional approach on Day 1. Root exercised restraint, eschewing aggressive strokes to secure his inaugural century of the current Test series.

Amidst a flurry of wickets, Root demonstrated his expertise by methodically accumulating runs in Ranchi. His resilience was evident as he forged a vital 113-run alliance with Ben Foakes, salvaging England’s innings after they faltered at 112 for 5, losing all five wickets in the morning session.

England’s eighth-wicket duo, Ollie Robinson and Joe Root, forged a noteworthy partnership, contributing 50 runs from 76 balls to the team’s total. Root, adhering to his characteristic style, accumulated 23 runs, while Robinson added 25, including two extras.

This collaboration proved pivotal as England reached the milestone of 300 runs in 89.3 overs, having faced a total of 541 balls, including 11 extras. At the close of play, England stood at 302/7 after 90 overs, with Root remaining unbeaten on 106 and Robinson on 31, positioning their team strongly for the following day’s play.

SEE ALSO:Rishabh Pant Commences Match-Simulation Training in Bengaluru

KL Rahul, the middle-order batsman, is highly likely to make his return to the cricket field for the fourth India-England Test set to commence in Ranchi on February 23. India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, provided an optimistic update on Rahul’s condition during his post-match press conference in Rajkot on Sunday, stating, “he should be okay.”

Both KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja were sidelined for the second Test in Visakhapatnam but were included in the squad for the subsequent Tests in Rajkot, Ranchi, and Dharamsala. Their participation hinged on their fitness, with Jadeja successfully recovering in time for his home Test, while Rahul remained unavailable, leading to the announcement of Devdutt Padikkal as his replacement by the senior selection committee.

Rehabilitation Progress of KL Rahul Ahead of Ranchi Test

A BCCI media advisory on February 12 confirmed Rahul’s unavailability for the third Test in Rajkot, citing that he had reached 90% match fitness and was progressing well under the BCCI Medical Team’s supervision. During the Rajkot Test, Rahul continued his recovery regimen at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru, aiming to achieve full match fitness for the subsequent Tests.

Rahul had experienced discomfort in his right quadriceps during the first Test in Hyderabad, sidelining him from action since then. However, he recently shared a video of himself engaged in a net session, indicating his gradual return to form and likelihood of featuring in the middle order for the Ranchi Test.

Middle Order Dilemma: Options and Performances in Rahul’s Absence

In Rahul’s absence, the team experimented with Rajat Patidar and Sarfaraz Khan in the middle order. While Patidar is yet to make a significant impact in the four innings he has played, Sarfaraz made an immediate impression with fifties in each innings of his debut Test.

SEE ALSO: India vs England, 3rd Test: Jaiswal and Jadeja Lead India to Historic Victory in Rajkot, Marking Their Largest Test Win by 434 Runs

Leading up to the third Test, the team management released Mukesh Kumar from the squad to enable him to participate in the Ranji Trophy for Bengal. However, new additions Akash Deep and Padikkal remained with the squad. Padikkal even served as a substitute fielder for R Ashwin during the Test, who had to depart due to a family medical emergency, before Ashwin’s return on Day 4 saw him contribute with a wicket as India sealed a comprehensive victory.

In a resounding display of dominance, India clinched a historic victory in the third Test against England in Rajkot, achieving victory with an impressive margin of 434 runs. The match was characterized by a stellar performance from Yashasvi Jaiswal, who emerged as the standout player with his remarkable batting prowess.

From the outset, it was evident that Jaiswal would play a pivotal role as he smashed his second consecutive Test double century, setting the tone for India’s imposing total. His stellar contribution, coupled with a strong batting display from the team, propelled India to a commanding first-innings score.

Despite a shaky start on Day 1, with early dismissals of key batsmen including Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Rajat Patidar, Indian captain Rohit Sharma and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja steadied the ship with a formidable partnership. Their centuries laid a solid foundation for India’s first innings total of 445 runs.

Jaiswal’s Double Century and Jadeja’s Fifer Shine in India’s Victory

In response, England made a promising start, with openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett forging a strong partnership. However, their momentum was halted by a resilient Indian bowling attack, led by Mohammed Siraj, who claimed a crucial four-wicket haul to restrict England to 319 runs in their first innings.

India’s second innings showcased another stellar batting performance, with Jaiswal leading the charge once again with his second double century of the series. Supported by Sarfaraz Khan, Jaiswal’s unbeaten partnership of 172 runs further bolstered India’s lead, as they declared at 430/4, establishing a formidable target of 539 runs for England to chase.

England’s Collapse: From Promising Start to Crushing Defeat against India

Facing a monumental chase, England faltered from the outset, losing early wickets to India’s relentless bowling attack. Ravindra Jadeja’s exceptional fifer, coupled with contributions from other bowlers including Jasprit Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin, sealed England’s fate as they were bowled out for just 122 runs in their second innings.

SEE ALSO: Watch:Sarfaraz Khan Celebrate Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Double Hundred on Day 4 with Joyful Bat Raise

In the end, it was a comprehensive team effort from India, with contributions from both batsmen and bowlers, that secured their largest Test win by runs in Rajkot. Jaiswal and Jadeja emerged as the heroes of the match, showcasing their talent and determination on the field. The victory marked a significant milestone for India, underlining their prowess in the Test arena.