Sri Lanka opt to bat first against England in series opener
January 22, 2026 02:05 pm
Sri Lanka have won the toss and opted to bat first against England in the opening game of the three-match One Day International series at the R Premadasa International Stadium.
Sri Lanka skipper Charith Asalanka at the toss said the team is keen on posting a competitive score.
He also confirmed that Wanindu Hasaranga has been rested considering the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Sri Lanka also welcomed Dhananjaya de Silva to the side for the first time since 2023.
Sri Lanka are currently fifth on the International Cricket Council rankings table while England are eighth and will enter the game as favorites.
Meanwhile, a special traffic plan is in place in Colombo owing to the Sri Lanka-England first ODI at the R. Premadasa Stadium.
