Shifting their attention to the shortest format, England are slated to meet Sri Lanka in the opening T20I of the three-match series at The Rose Bowl in Southampton on Tuesday. England are riding a wave of confidence heading into the first game following their skilful performance against India, where they clinched a 4-0 series victory in a five-match series on home soil. The series win against India gives England an edge coupled with home advantage, in which they have enjoyed thriving results.

Moreover, England’s batting line-up is stacked with high-quality performers, with Brook being expected to lead the attack. Brook was in red-hot form against India, blasting 229 runs during that series. Ben Duckett, Jos Buttler, Jordan Cox and Tom Banton will be crucial for England. The hosts’ bowling attack is also solid, featuring Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue, Gus Atkinson, Adil Rashid, Saqib Mahmood and Sonny Baker. England have already announced their playing XI, with Aneurin Donald set to make his T20I debut.

Sri Lanka, meanwhile, come into this series under enormous pressure. Looking to make a comeback from recent setbacks. Their recent outings have been less impressive, as they have encountered difficulty in finding consistency. Notably, Sri Lanka crashed to a 3-0 defeat when England visited earlier in the year. Their campaign at the T20I World Cup was also underwhelming given their exit during the Super Eight stage after finishing at the bottom of their group. Later, they suffered a 2-1 series defeat in the West Indies, adding to rising pressure.

Sri Lanka, however, would look to bounce back to regain confidence in light of a series of disappointing results. For Sri Lanka, a lot will depend on Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshan. 

Head-to-head

Matches 18

ENG won - 14

SL won - 4

England XI: Harry Brook (c), Aneurin Donald, Jos Buttler, Tom Banton, Jordan Cox, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Josh Tongue, Sonny Baker, Adil Rashid

Sri Lanka possible XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara (wk), Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (c), Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Tharindu Ratnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Eshan Malinga