Sri Lanka v England tips: Tourists’ batting power could be the key

England’s six-week tour of Sri Lanka gets underway on Wednesday, starting with the first of five ODI clashes.

Eoin Morgan’s men are the best ranked side in the world in the one-day format. But there’s no time for let-up, with a World Cup (and an Ashes series) to come in 2019.

Series odds

England have already thrashed Australia 5-0 this year, and beat India 2-1 in the summer. So it’s no surprise they’re 4/11 favourites to take the series in Sri Lanka.

The hosts are at 9/4, but they haven’t won an ODI series on home soil since beating the West Indies nearly three years ago.

It’s worth noting though, that England were thumped 5-2 during their seven ODIs on their last visit to the Asian island across the winter of 2014-15.

Turning pitches and damp conditions could see Sri Lanka strike again.

First ODI odds

But on paper at least, England’s batting prowess should be a class above over the next few weeks. They’re 4/9 to win the opening ODI meeting in Dambulla.

There’s 7/4 about a Sri Lankan victory.

The key men

It’s a case of take your pick from England’s batters.

Each of Joe Root, Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, Alex Hales, skipper Morgan, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler and Mooen Ali can get into boundary-bashing form – and have done so in 2018.

Roy and Hales shone on their way to helping England set a record 50-over score of 481 against Australia in June.

There’s 3/1 about Surrey hitter Roy top-scoring for the tourists, with Nottinghamshire’s Hales 4/1.

Sri Lanka, who have lost 30 of their last 40 ODIs, will look to new captain Dinesh Chandimal.

The 28-year-old has succeeded Angelo Matthews, and hit a 77 in Friday’s warm-up match and is 4/1 to top score for his side.

For the bowlers, Adil Rashid is 3/1 favourite to take the most wickets for England, with Akila Danajaya the same price for Sri Lanka.

And watch out for the legendary Lasith ‘Slinger’ Malinga.

The renowned pace bowler may now be 35-years-old, but he’s taken 38 English ODI wickets over the years, and is always capable of producing something special. He’s 10/3 to take the most wickets for the hosts.

Click here for all our Sri Lanka v England odds.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing