Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey

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After admiring the all-important role of a third-party, we move forward to the fifth and last ODI. Unfortunately, the monsoon season has made this series feel like an ODI Tri-Series between England, Sri Lanka and the rain.

The first match was subject to no-result and third was heading in the same direction, before a T20 shootout in which England finished on top with ease. In the second and fourth matches, England were ahead of the Islanders to a good extent, and found Duckworth Lewis to be their best friend. So, this series has found its way, compelling the Sri Lankans to play only for pride – a situation that is all too common for the islanders in ODIs. Can Sri Lanka raise their lost value from the last match?

33 of Sri Lanka’s last 43 completed ODIs have ended in defeat, but what should give them some hope is their much improved effort in the fourth ODI. Again, though, the top order is not to the mark, losing too many wickets by the halfway mark, and leaving plenty to do for the middle order. Niroshan Dickwella with his 52 was the only player in the top five to cross 35, with Dasun Shanaka, Thisara Perera and Akila Dananjaya getting Sri Lanka to a competitive total. Rain will likely interrupt again, but can any Sri Lankan get their team’s first ODI century of 2018?

For England, the series is won, which gives them the luxury of rotating both their batting order to give time to the likes of Jos Buttler, as well as bringing in fringe players for a chance. Sam Curran, Mark Wood and Liam Plunkett could get an opportunity to press their claims for a World Cup spot, which makes this game for England one where individual players will be out to impress.

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Key to a Sri Lanka win

Sri Lanka’s top order is not up to the mark. They have tried different opening pairs but both Tharanga and Samarawickrama have not impressed coaches and fans. Niroshan Dickwella played a good knock in last match by playing aggressively, but he has to guarantee a longer start for his team, to enable their middle order to play with as much freedom as possible. Skipper Dinesh Chandimal will also have the spotlight on him, and has to deliver a captain’s innings.

Also, the bowling department has not been that impressive. Malinga unleashed a fifer in the second match and was economical, but the wickets have since eluded him. Dasun Shanaka showed his batting ability in last match and will be key again, so too the likes of Akila Dananjaya who haven’t quite had the impact fans were hoping for.

Key to an England win

England, as the number one side, have had a good series to date. Skipper Eoin Morgan has led his team from the front and has been their best batsman so far, with 195 runs and just one dismissal in four innings. Add Joe Root’s contributions, and you just hope the rain stays away so we can see what England’s middle order can conjure up against a disheartened Sri Lanka line up.

Also, Chris Woakes and Adil Rashid have proved their worth by strengthening the bowling department. They have been so good that you feel England just have to stand by the basics to force another victory.

Possible XI

England could make a few changes with squad rotation likely now that the series has been won.

England possible XI: 1. Jason Roy/Joe Denly, 2. Alex Hales, 3. Joe Root, 4. Eoin Morgan (c), 5. Ben Stokes, 6. Jos Buttler (wk), 7. Moeen Ali, 8. Chris Woakes/Liam Plunkett, 9. Sam Curran, 10. Adil Rashid, 11. Tom Curran/Mark Wood

Kusal Mendis is in shocking form, which could mean Upul Tharanga comes back. Also, Nuwan Pradeep could be replaced by Dushmantha Chameera.

Sri Lanka possible XI: 1. Niroshan Dickwella, 2. Sadeera Samarawickrama, 3. Upul Tharanga, 4. Dinesh Chandimal (c), 5. Dhananjaya de Silva, 6. Dasun Shanaka, 7. Thisara Perera, 8. Akila Dananjaya, 9. Amila Aponso, 10. Lasith Malinga, 11. Dushmantha Chameera

Dream11

• Niroshan Dickwella, at the top of the order, is my choice over Jos Buttler. Buttler has only faced 25 balls this series – will he get more of a chance today?

Stats and Facts

Prediction

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