England vs. Sri Lanka prediction, team news, pitch report and betting tips for 1st ODI

England come into this series on the back of a 3-0 T20 rout, having won the opener by 119 runs before chasing down the next two targets in just 12.1 and 9.4 overs.

Harry Brook returns to the ground where he struck his maiden ODI hundred nearly two years ago, and the captaincy has clearly suited him since. His average as skipper stands at 51.82, more than double his figure outside the role, and against Sri Lanka specifically he averages 92, largely thanks to that unbeaten 136 in Colombo back in January.

Sri Lanka, meanwhile, are limping rather than marching into this series. Kusal Mendis returns from a hamstring injury to lead a side that has barely landed a punch all tour, though his own form with the bat, 211 runs in four innings this year at an average of 70.33, gives them something to build around.

England vs. Sri Lanka prediction: Who will win? 

England have lost five of their last nine ODIs, so this is not a vintage run of form, yet they thumped Sri Lanka 2-1 at the Island country already earlier this year and back it up with that 3-0 T20 mauling just gone.

Brook averages 92 against these opponents and Root offers further weight.

Sri Lanka's bowling has been battered all tour and with home comforts firmly on England's side, a series-opening win looks the likely outcome.

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England vs. Sri Lanka Pitch Report 1st ODI: Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street, Durham

Stat

Detail

Total Matches

28

Matches won batting first

11

Matches won bowling first

15

Average 1st innings score

240

Average 2nd innings score

192

Highest total recorded

338/6 (50 Ovs) — SL vs WI

Lowest total recorded