Sri Lanka will face England in the second ODI of the three-match series at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Saturday, January 24. The game is important for both teams as players look to adapt to conditions ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, which will be played in subcontinent conditions.
England are under pressure after losing the opening match by 19 runs. The contest will test their squad depth and ability to handle quality spin. Both teams have strong batting line-ups and varied bowling attacks, and Colombo conditions are expected to reward patient and disciplined stroke play.
This article looks at the probable playing XIs for Sri Lanka and England, likely team combinations, and the key players to watch in the second ODI.
Sri Lanka Playing XI vs England – 2nd ODI
Openers: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara
Pathum Nissanka is a key batter for Sri Lanka. He has scored 2,844 runs in 75 ODIs at a strong average. Kamil Mishara is expected to partner him at the top. Mishara has 121 runs from four ODIs at an average of 30.25.
Middle Order and All-Rounders: Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka (c), Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga
Kusal Mendis remains the most vital cog in this batting unit. Mendis has scored 4,844 runs from 152 matches with 40 fifty-plus scores and can frustrate England if he settles in. The wicketkeeper-batter scored 93 runs off 117 balls in the first ODI.
Dhananjaya de Silva, Sadeera Samarawickrama, and captain Charith Asalanka will strengthen the middle order. Janith Liyanage will aim to provide the finishing touches.
Wanindu Hasaranga will lead the attack and is also a key all-rounder. He has scored over 1,100 runs and has picked 111 scalps from 68 ODIs.
Bowlers: Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando, Pramod Madushan
Maheesh Theekshana will complement Hasaranga with his spin. He has taken 79 wickets in 59 ODIs at an average of 28.03. Asitha Fernando is a reliable pacer in this Sri Lankan side, with 37 wickets in 28 ODIs. Pramod Madushan completes out the attack, having picked 16 scalps in 12 ODIs.
Sri Lanka Playing XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamil Mishara, Dhananjaya de Silva, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka (c), Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando, Pramod Madushan.
England Playing XI vs Sri Lanka – 2nd ODI
Openers: Ben Duckett, Tom Banton
Ben Duckett will aim to take on the home team from the start with his aggressive approach. After scoring 62 runs off 76 balls in the first match, Duckett will hope to deliver in this must-win clash.
The left-handed batter is likely to open alongside Tom Banton, who will look to provide a steady start. Banton has scored 180 runs in eight ODIs at an average of 25.71. England may consider dropping Zak Crawley, who managed only six runs in the first match.
Middle-Order Batters and All-Rounders: Joe Root, Harry Brook (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Jacob Bethell, Will Jacks, Sam Curran
Joe Root is England’s leading ODI run-scorer, with 7,391 runs at an average of 48.62. He registered his 44th ODI fifty in the previous game. Captain Harry Brook is a key figure in the batting line-up, having scored 1,176 ODI runs at an average of 35.6. Jos Buttler is closing in on 5,500 ODI runs.
Jacob Bethell will look to contribute with his all-round skills. Will Jacks, who has been struggling with fitness, is another important option with bat and ball. He has scored 621 runs from 21 ODIs at a strike rate above 104. Sam Curran comes in with confidence after strong performances in the ILT20 and BBL.
Bowlers: Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Liam Dawson
Jamie Overton conceded 66 runs in the first ODI. Adil Rashid is England’s leading spinner and the second-highest wicket-taker overall, with 238 wickets at an average of 31.41. Liam Dawson, who took one wicket for 31 runs in the opening match, adds a second spin option to the attack.
England Playing XI: Ben Duckett, Tom Banton, Joe Root, Harry Brook (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Jacob Bethell, Will Jacks, Sam Curran, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid.
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