ZCZC
BSP-09
CRICKET-SRI-ENG-TOSS
Sri Lanka opt to bat in second England Test
GALLE, Sri Lanka, Jan 22, 2021 (BSS/AFP) – Sri Lanka’s stand-in-skipper
Dinesh Chandimal won the toss and elected to bat in the second Test against
England on Friday.
The hosts, who trail the two-Test series 1-0, have made three changes to
their starting line-up with all-rounder Ramesh Mendis set to make his
international debut in Galle.
Fit-again paceman Suranga Lakmal returns while batsman Oshada Fernando is
expected to bat at number three in place of injured captain Dimuth
Karunaratne.
“We had some discussion after the first game…when the situation comes, we
have to execute,” Chandimal said.
England had already revealed their team on Thursday with James Anderson
coming in for fellow paceman Stuart Broad as the only change from their
opening win.
“At least we’ve got some good experience to call upon,” skipper Joe Root
said. “Hopefully we can transfer that to this week.”
Teams:
Sri Lanka: Dinesh Chandimal (capt), Lahiru Thirimanne, Kusal Perera, Oshada
Fernando, Angelo Mathews, Niroshan Dickwella, Ramesh Mendis, Dilruwan Perera,
Suranga Lakmal, Lasith Embuldeniya, Asitha Fernando
England: Joe Root (capt), Dominic Sibley, Zak Crawley, Jonny Bairstow, Dan
Lawrence, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Dominic Bess, Jack Leach, Mark Wood, James
Anderson
BSS/AFP/GMR/1036 hrs