Sri Lanka v England Tips: Pace bowlers to wrap up the series?

Published:
Ben Foakes

England could wrap up their first overseas Test series win since 2016 with victory in the second Test against Sri Lanka in Kandy.

Ben Foakes set the tourists on their way to ending that miserable run in Galle earlier this month.

But can the Surrey right-hander-cum-wicket-keeper do the same again for Trevor Bayliss’ men here?

Second Test odds

After dominating against the odds in the opener, England are 11/10 favourites to wrap up the series with a second win here.

That puts them comfortably ahead of Sri Lanka at 9/4, with the draw longer still at 5/2. Joe Root will be hoping for improvement with the bat after his 1st innings knock of 35 in the opening test.

He’s 11/4 to be England’s top 1st innings scorer here, with 2nd innings hero Jennings 4/1 after his move up the order. Moeen Ali is 3/1 to be the visitors’ top 1st innings wicket taker.

James Anderson is available at the same price on a surface which should pace much more than Ali’s spin.

Angelo Matthews top scored for the hosts in both innings last time, he’s 7/2 to do the most damage for Sri Lanka again here.

Test Series odds

England’s impressive victory in the first Test has left them as clear favourites for the Series.

They’re now 2/7 to claim a first overseas series win since defeating South Africa 2-1 in 2016.

Sri Lanka have it all to do if they’re to outrun their odds of 13/2, while a drawn series is priced at 5/1.

The key men

Everything came together for England in Galle. The openers provided a sound start before a dominant middle order racked up decent numbers, particularly in the 1st innings.

Jennings will be hoping to build on his good form. As will Ben Foakes, who retains the gloves after his impressive showing on debut against Sri Lanka.

Ali and captain Joe Root need to improve with the bat, although the former has shone with the ball so far and remains one of England’s best hopes of taking wickets.

The Pallekele ground should also provide more enjoyment for Anderson, Sam Curran and Ben Stokes, with the pitch set to favour pace over spin.

Click here for all our Sri Lanka v England odds.

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

Latest Articles