Archer Set for Early Fitness Test as England Opt to Bowl in Rain-Reduced T20I

Archer Set for Early Fitness Test as England Opt to Bowl in Rain-Reduced T20I

Jofra Archer will get an early opportunity to prove his fitness ahead of next month’s T20 World Cup after England chose to bowl first in the opening T20I against Sri Lanka at Pallekele, following a lengthy rain delay.

England captain Harry Brook won the toss and elected to field, with the match reduced to 17 overs per side after rain delayed the start by an hour and a half. Archer’s inclusion is of particular interest, marking a surprise return to the touring squad after he missed the final two Ashes Tests due to a side strain.

England had announced their playing XI a day before the match, with Tom Banton named at No. 4 in place of Ben Duckett, who sustained a finger injury while fielding during the third ODI in Colombo last week.

Jamie Overton was preferred ahead of Luke Wood and Brydon Carse to partner Archer as the pace spearhead, while Adil Rashid and Liam Dawson will lead the spin attack alongside allrounder Will Jacks.

“It looks like a good wicket so hopefully we can bowl well, get a few early wickets, put them under pressure and chase a score down,” Brook said at the toss. “Everyone is really looking forward to it. Sri Lanka are a good side in their own conditions, but the bigger picture is looking at the World Cup.”

Sri Lanka named an unchanged XI from their previous T20I against Pakistan in Dambulla last month, with fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera rested as part of their workload management ahead of the World Cup. Dasun Shanaka returns as captain after missing the ODI series and said he welcomed the challenge of batting first.

“We’ve been playing some decent cricket and are looking forward to the series,” Shanaka said.

Sri Lanka are led by Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis at the top, with Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana forming the core of their spin attack, alongside pace options Matheesha Pathirana and Eshan Malinga.

Sri Lanka XI:
Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka (capt), Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Eshan Malinga

England XI:
Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (wk), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Harry Brook (capt), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid