England v Sri Lanka 3rd Test: Dilshan-less Sri Lanka Seek Inspiration At Rose Bowl

In what will be the final Test match of the series, the Sri Lankan will look to level the series against the hosts England at first-time hosts, Rose Bowl in Southampton.

A rather bizarre one hour or so at Cardiff was the difference between a 0-0 score-line and the 1-0 that it is now in favour of England. With only one Test match to play, Sri Lanka have to win this one to ensure that they don’t go down in the series. And it will be an arduous task for multiple reasons.

For one, England is the form team. Coming from winning the Ashes, they will now look to continue with their winning momentum before the start of the vital Test series against India. Then, the Lankan side were dealt a serious blow when it was announced that their captain and the best batsman of the side, Tillakaratne Dilshan, will not play this game due to a fractured thumb. Dilshan is at the top of the run-charts for Sri Lanka in the series and his 193 at Lord’s was out of the top draw.

Interestingly, just when the Sri Lankans are grappling with the fitness woes, England were given a shot in the arm with the return of James Anderson. This should bolster their bowling attack, especially after being carted for runs in the previous game by Dilshan.

Sri Lanka will get in Lahiru Thirimanne to open the innings while Kumar Sagakkara, who has been woefully out of the touch, will bat three apart from leading the side again.

England v Sri Lanka 3rd Test at Rose Bowl in Southampton will start Thursday, June 16.