Phil Salt Out, Ben Duckett Returns as England Bat First

News Desk 

Pallekele, Sri Lanka: England won the toss for the third consecutive time and opted to bat first against Sri Lanka in their final T20 International ahead of next week’s World Cup.

The hosts face a slightly changed England side, with Phil Salt ruled out due to a back spasm, replaced by Ben Duckett, who returns to fitness after a finger injury sustained during the recent ODI series.

Duckett will open alongside Jos Buttler, returning to his customary top-order position, after initially being slated to bat at No.4—a role temporarily filled by Tom Banton during Duckett’s absence. Jofra Archer has been rested, following England’s series win in the second match, while Luke Wood makes his first appearance of the tour.

Read More: https://thepenpk.com/england-bat-first-in-high-stakes-u19-semi-final/

Sri Lanka have also made three changes to their playing XI following their six-wicket loss in the second T20I. Kamindu Mendis gets a late chance to stake a World Cup claim, replacing the ill Wanindu Hasaranga. Dushmantha Chameera returns after Eshan Malinga’s shoulder injury, while Maheesh Theekshana is recalled, with Charith Asalanka sitting out.

The weather at Pallekele is expected to remain mostly fair, though lingering clouds suggest a risk of rain interruptions, similar to the previous two matches, which saw England chase down a revised target in just 17 overs on Sunday.

Predicted Playing XIs:

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (capt), Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana

England: Ben Duckett, Jos Buttler (wk), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Harry Brook (capt), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid, Luke Wood.