England vs Sri Lanka, ENG vs SL 2024, Match Prediction | Reddy Anna

Sri Lanka begins their Test tour of England at Old Trafford with England missing some key players | Reddy Anna. Sri Lanka hasn't won any of their last eight Tests against England, with their most recent defeat coming in Galle in 2021. However, they enter this series riding a wave of success, having won their last three Tests. Despite this, England, even without some of their usual stars, is expected to secure victory.

England vs Sri Lanka, ENG vs SL 2024, Match Prediction | Reddy Anna

ENG vs SL Match Prediction & Analysis

Sri Lanka currently sits fourth in the World Test Championship standings, while England is in seventh. Although Sri Lanka comes into this match on the back of a string of victories in the format, playing in English conditions presents a unique challenge. England, though without captain Ben Stokes and opener Zak Crawley, remains a strong side. Their aggressive approach to Test cricket is likely to continue despite the absence of some key players.

Teams Preview

England Preview

With Ben Stokes and Zak Crawley out, Dan Lawrence will likely open the batting alongside Ben Duckett. Ollie Pope, who will captain the side in Stokes' absence, and Joe Root will anchor the middle order. Jamie Smith, in only his fourth Test, adds some inexperience to the lower middle order, alongside Chris Woakes and Gus Atkinson. England's pace attack, led by Mark Wood, will look to exploit the swing-friendly conditions.

England Predicted Playing XI: Dan Lawrence, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope (c), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Matthew Potts, Mark Wood, Shoaib Bashir

Sri Lanka Preview

Sri Lanka enters this Test series with confidence after winning their last three matches by comfortable margins. Led by Dhananjaya de Silva, the team boasts experienced players like Dimuth Karunaratne, Angelo Mathews, and Dinesh Chandimal. However, facing England's pace attack in challenging conditions could be difficult. Prabath Jayasuriya, with 71 wickets in 12 Tests, will be key to their bowling attack.

Sri Lanka Predicted Playing XI: Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis (wk), Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva (c), Kamindu Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando

Weather Conditions

Typical Manchester weather could interrupt play, with rain expected across the four days following the opening day. Batting may be easiest early on, while spin could come into play later in the match.

Pitch Report

The pitch at Old Trafford is one of the quickest in England, but it is expected to take spin in the final days. Batting should be easiest on the first two days, and the team winning the toss will likely opt to bat first.

Winning Prediction

Despite Sri Lanka's recent success, England is expected to be too strong at home. Their pace attack and experience in English conditions should see them to a comfortable victory.

Prediction: England to win