2016 Test Cricket: England vs Sri Lanka Betting Tips
England will bring Test cricket back into focus when they take on Sri Lanka in the first Investec Test match at Headingley, Leeds on May 19th. Chester-le-Street will host the second Test while Lord’s will be the venue for the third and final Test match of the series.
When these two sides last met, two years ago, Sri Lanka ran out 1-0 winners capitalizing on the changing fortunes of the hosts. This time around, the transformation is complete as England look settled and hungry while Sri Lanka have been struggling.
The scars of 2014 series look a distant memory for this England side which is in great form in international cricket. Their last Test outing was in South Africa which ended in a 2-1 series win for England.
Alastair Cook has rediscovered his form in domestic cricket after some indifferent international form. The squad is brimming with confidence and experience with only two players looking to make their debuts in Jake Ball and James Vince. Joe Root is arguably the best batsman in this format while Steven Finn and Jimmy Anderson will be looking to douse any hopes of survival for the visitors with their terrific bowling.
Two years is a long time in cricket and this Sri Lankan team is a testimony to that fact. The retirements of Mahela Jayawardene and Kumara Sangakkara has left a gaping hole in their batting. The likes of Dinesh Chandimal, Dimuth Karunaratne and Kaushal Silva are expected to bear the burden in the top order.
Angelo Mathews will have a tough task of leading an inexperienced team with both bat and ball. The loss of Dhammika Prasad for the first match will be a huge blow whilst there are huge expectations of Nuwan Pradeep and Dushmantha Chameera to perform at a high level. Then of course there is the wily old spin of Rangana Herath!
It will be a surprise if Sri Lanka win a test match, let alone the series. With weather staying dry, backing England for a 3-0 win at odds of 2.88 with William Hill is a worthy punt. The desire and hunger of Cook is back and he could end up being their top scorer for the series – odds of 4.0 with William Hill.
Finn would be looking to make up for the lost time due to injuries and poor form. With his height and bounce, he’s always a threat and backing him to be the hosts’ best bowler – odds of 4.5 with William Hill isn’t an outrageous bet.
For the visitors, Karunaratne’s dour batting at the top could be a blessing. At odds of 6.5 (William Hill), he could be the dark horse to be Sri Lanka’s best batsman. Back Chameera with the ball – odds of 5.0 with William Hill.
