England and Sri Lanka move from the shortest format to the 50-over game as the three-match ODI series begins at the Riverside Ground in Chester-le-Street. Following a 3-0 sweep in the T20I series, England enters this fixture with a bolstered middle order featuring the return of veteran Joe Root.
Harry Brook continues as white-ball captain for this series. Sri Lanka welcomes back Kusal Mendis, who missed the T20Is due to injury and returns to lead the side in the ODI format.
Match Details
| Match | Date/Time | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| England vs Sri Lanka, 1st ODI | September 22, 2026 / 11:30 AM UTC | Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street |
Team News & Playing XIs
England has officially confirmed their XI for the opener. Tom Banton and Ben Duckett form the opening pair, while Jos Buttler plays as a specialist wicketkeeper-batter. The bowling attack features Jofra Archer and Gus Atkinson alongside Josh Tongue. England will be without Sam Curran (groin), Phil Salt (quad), and Jacob Bethell (knee), who are all ruled out due to injury.
Sri Lanka sees Kusal Mendis return to the leadership role. The batting unit relies on Pathum Nissanka and Charith Asalanka, while Wanindu Hasaranga remains the primary all-round threat in the middle overs.
England (Confirmed XI)
- Tom Banton
- Ben Duckett
- Joe Root
- Harry Brook (C)
- Jos Buttler (WK)
- Will Jacks
- Rehan Ahmed
- Jamie Overton
- Gus Atkinson
- Jofra Archer
- Josh Tongue
Sri Lanka (Probable XI)
- Pathum Nissanka
- Kamindu Mendis
- Kusal Mendis (C & WK)
- Pavan Rathnayake
- Charith Asalanka
- Janith Liyanage
- Dasun Shanaka
- Wanindu Hasaranga
- Dunith Wellalage
- Dushmantha Chameera
- Dilshan Madushanka
Recent Form
- England: Won 3-0 vs SL (T20I series, Sept 2026); Won 2-1 vs India (ODI series, July 2026).
- Sri Lanka: Lost 0-3 vs England (T20Is); Won ODI series vs West Indies (2026).
Pitch & Conditions
The Riverside Ground typically offers a balanced contest with early carry for seamers. While the historical average first-innings score is 240, recent trends suggest scores above 300 are achievable for settled top orders. Weather forecast indicates mostly cloudy conditions with a low (<10%) probability of rain.
Key Players for Fantasy
- Joe Root (England): Averaging 105 in ODIs during 2026, he is the format’s primary anchor.
- Harry Brook (England): In career-best form, scoring 170 runs in the preceding T20I series at a high strike rate.
- Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka): A consistent wicket-taker in the middle overs who offers lower-order batting value.
- Jofra Archer (England): His ability to extract bounce at Chester-le-Street makes him the primary pace threat.
Suggested Fantasy XI
- Wicketkeepers: Jos Buttler, Kusal Mendis
- Batters: Joe Root (C), Harry Brook (VC), Pathum Nissanka, Ben Duckett
- All-rounders: Wanindu Hasaranga, Will Jacks
- Bowlers: Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Dilshan Madushanka
Match Prediction: Who Will Win?
England enters the match as favorites based on their current momentum and the return of Joe Root to provide stability in the middle order. While Kusal Mendis’ return strengthens the Sri Lankan top order, England’s pace variety at Chester-le-Street and their recent 3-0 T20I series win provide a significant edge. CricXtra Prediction: England to win.
