Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat first in the second ODI at Headingley on September 24, 2026. The visitors currently trail 1-0 in the three-match series and are looking to bounce back following an 89-run defeat in the opening fixture.
Sri Lanka made one change to their playing XI, bringing in right-arm fast bowler Eshan Malinga to replace Dushmantha Chameera. Analysis suggests this selection provides extra pace following Chameera’s difficulties in the first match; it marks Malinga’s eighth appearance in the ODI format. England remains unchanged from the side that secured the victory at Chester-le-Street.
The match follows the announcement on September 22 that Mark Wood has retired from all forms of international cricket. The Durham pacer, who claimed 253 international wickets during his career, cited a recurring knee injury that has kept him out of action since the 2025/26 Ashes opener. Wood stated, “This time I lost the battle.”
Sri Lanka reached 51/1 after 11.5 overs in the first session. Kamindu Mendis was the man dismissed, departing for 25. Kusal Mendis‘s side opted to bat first despite Headingley’s history of early swing, a move that analysis indicates is a tactical attempt to set a target on a surface that often favors the chasing side under lights.
Analysis of the team sheets further notes that England’s spin depth will be tested during this series decider attempt. Adil Rashid remains absent from the lineup due to a hand injury, which may provide an opening for the Sri Lankan middle order to capitalize during the middle overs.
