Sri Lanka recall Hasaranga for today’s decisive third ODI

@ Asalanka defends RPICS pitch: England didn’t complain when they were shot out for 156 in 2023 WC @ Sri Lanka has not lost a bilateral ODI series at home since 2021

- By Sa’apI THAWFEEQ

Sri Lanka Captain Charith Asalanka will have his key white ball spinner Wanindu Hasaranga in the side for today's decisive ODI

HAVING rested him from the first two ODIs, Sri Lanka has recalled their key white ball spinner Wanindu Hasaranga for the decisive third and final ODI against England at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium today.

The three-match series is on the line with both teams having won a game each and Sri Lanka who has not lost a bilateral ODI series at home since losing 2-1 to India in July 2021 would want to keep that proud record intact. From England’s view point they need a series win badly to carry the confidence into the T20I series and the T20 World Cup. Since the 2023 Cricket World Cup, England have won just one out of seven bilateral ODI series.

No doubt Hasaranga adds that cutting edge to the team with his tantalysing leg-spin that has won many matches for his country. He will be the focal point against England, especially Joe Root who has scored two back-to-back fifties in the two matches played so far, and has been the cornerstone of England’s batting.

“He is one of the best batsmen in the world and if you take their batting line up, he is the most experienced,” said Sri Lanka Captain Charith Asalanka at the pre-match press conference.