Sri Lanka vs England 2018: 5 players battles to watch out for

Modified Oct 09, 2018 19:49 IST

#1 Lasith Malinga vs Jonny Bairstow

Lasith Malinga has come roaring back and has shown he still has some fire. In the Asia Cup, Malinga looked Sri Lanka’s best bowler and returned with 5 wickets in 2 games. He was lethal at the top with the new ball and looked good even at the death.

Meanwhile, Jonny Bairstow has bludgeoned multiple attacks at the top of the order. He has a strike-rate of 121.09 and is England’s leading run-scorer in ODI cricket this year.

Thus, Bairstow’s battle with Malinga at the top (with the new ball) may well decide the course of the series. Malinga will want to nip the England opener out early while Bairstow would want to continue his excellent white-ball form.

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Sahil is a journalist who covers cricket at Sportskeeda. His passion for the sport goes beyond boundaries, with the Indian Cricket Team and Royal Challengers Bangalore holding a special place in his heart. Having provided text commentary during the 2019 World Cup, Sahil brings extensive experience in covering cricket, showcasing a deep knowledge of the game and its players. He is committed to crafting engaging narratives, staying updated with the latest trends, and sharing valuable insights with readers. Sahil is also well-versed in SEO and journalism guidelines, contributing as an experienced journalist in the sports industry.

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Edited by Vikshith R