Joe Root could well be the man to look out for again as England look to seal a series win with victory in the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle.
The skipper led from the front to help the Three Lions to glory in the first Test and the Yorkshireman will be eager to take that form into the second encounter, which starts on Friday, in the Southern Province.
England Expects Tougher Test
Having secured a seven-wicket in the first Test, Root says he is expecting a much sterner challenge in the follow up encounter.
The hosts were caught napping on the opening day last week, being bowled out for just 135 in their first innings.
Sri Lanka started to settle into the contest as the days went on and managed to score 359 all out in their second innings, before putting the tourists under pressure with the ball.
In such a short space of time, it’s hard to see the hosts making up the ground needed to overcome head coach Chris Silverwood and his side, and England are 23/20 to win the two-match series 2-0.
Root Finding Form Ahead Of Ashes
With the Ashes series against old rivals Australia to come at the end of the year, skipper Root seems to be finding his touch with the bat in Sri Lanka.
An effort of 228 runs from Root in the first innings gave England the platform for victory and the 30-year-old is capable of another strong display out in the middle.
Root is available at 9/4 to be England top batsman in their first innings and 13/2 to be named man of the match in Galle.
Anderson Out To Make A Statement
England have made one change for the second Test, with all-time leading wicket-taker James Anderson coming in for Stuart Broad.
Anderson will be chomping at the bit to get at the Sri Lankan batting order, as he replaces fellow veteran seamer Broad who is due a rest.
ICYMI
We announced our XI for the second and final Test earlier today!#SLvENG pic.twitter.com/0gKpJWQiTO
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) January 21, 2021
While the surface at Galle did favour spinners Dom Bess and Jack Leach, Anderson has the pace and accuracy to cause the Sri Lankans problems and pick up some early wickets and is 3/1 to be England’s top first innings bowler.
Thirimanne Can Dig In
Lahiru Thirimanne was one of the standout players for Sri Lanka in the first Test and the likes of Anderson and fellow paceman Sam Curran will look to get after the opener in the early stages.
Having managed just four runs in his first innings, Thirimanne was the only batsman for the hosts to notch up a century in the match as he scored 111 runs before edging a Curran ball to wicket-keeper Jos Buttler.
With 11 years of international experience under his belt, Thirimanne has the ability to dig in and frustrate England again, with the 31-year-old 4/1 to be Sri Lanka’s top first innings batsman.
All odds correct at time of writing.
