Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat first at Headingley, while England named an unchanged XI after their 89-run victory in Durham.

Sri Lanka have made one change for the second ODI against England at Headingley, bringing in fast bowler Eshan Malinga for Dushmantha Chameera as they look to bounce back from defeat in the series opener.

Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bat first, with captain Kusal Mendis hoping his side can produce a stronger batting performance after England comfortably defended 265 in Durham.

“We bowled really well, and the fielding was very good,” Mendis said at the toss. “Today, we have to bat a little bit better compared to the last match. It looks like a very good wicket. We have to put a very big score on the board.”

England won the first ODI by 89 runs on a relatively tacky surface, but Headingley is expected to offer more pace and assistance to the seamers.

Eshan Malinga Gets His Chance

Sri Lanka’s change sees Eshan Malinga come into the XI for Chameera.

The venue holds special memories for Sri Lanka, who famously defeated England at Headingley during the 2019 World Cup. That victory was inspired by a remarkable spell from Lasith Malinga.

Six years later, Sri Lanka will hope another Malinga can make an impact, with Eshan now handed an opportunity in the second ODI.

Sri Lanka will also be without Wanindu Hasaranga for the remainder of the series. The allrounder has experienced lower-back pain and will return home for further recovery.

His absence means another opportunity for legspinner Sachindu Colombage, who impressed on international debut in Durham with figures of 3 for 44.

England Keep Winning Combination

England have opted for an unchanged XI following their comprehensive victory in the opening match.

Harry Brook said England would also have preferred to bowl first after losing the toss.

“We would have had a bowl, so we’re pretty pleased with that,” Brook said. “I like batting here. I like playing here in front of my home crowd.”

Brook expects the conditions to favour the team chasing, particularly with Headingley’s quick outfield.

“It looks like a good wicket, hence why we wanted to chase. It’s a tough ground to defend, quick outfield, good pitch. Hopefully we can restrict them to a low score.”

England have a relatively even record at Headingley but have lost their last two matches at the venue. Sri Lanka will draw confidence from their memorable 2019 World Cup victory here as they attempt to keep the ODI series alive.

England: Tom Banton, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook (C), Jos Buttler , Will Jacks, Rehan Ahmed, Jamie Overton, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis (C), Pavan Rathnayake, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Sachindu Colombage, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka