Veteran Sunrisers batter returns as England announces playing XI for first ODI against Sri Lanka

England have named their playing XI for the first ODI of the three-match series against Sri Lanka, starting on January 22. The match will be played at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. This venue will also host matches of the T20 World Cup 2026 next month.

England have recalled opener Zak Crawley after 776 days. He last played an ODI for England in December 2023. Crawley has played only eight ODIs so far. He has scored 199 runs with an average of 28.42 and has two half-centuries. Notably, Crawley has also played for Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the SA20, representing the franchise during the tournament.

After a disappointing Ashes series against Australia, which ended in a 4–1 loss, the team will look for a fresh start. The ODI series against Sri Lanka marks the beginning of their white-ball tour away from home. Harry Brook will lead the side as captain in this series.

Although this is an ODI series, England are also preparing for the T20 World Cup, which starts on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka. This series will help the team adjust to Sri Lankan conditions. They may play their Super Six matches in Sri Lanka later in the tournament. In the league stage, England will play two matches each in Mumbai and Kolkata.

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Opening pair retained despite poor Ashes form

The opening pair of Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley has been kept for the ODI series, even though they struggled badly in the Ashes. The team management has shown faith in the duo and given them another chance at the top of the order.

Joe Root, Jacob Bethell, and captain Harry Brook will bat in the middle order. Former captain Jos Buttler will bat at number six and will also keep wickets. Will Jacks and Sam Curran have been picked as the all-rounders in the side.

Strong spin attack included in the playing XI

Jamie Overton is the only other fast bowler in the team. The spin department looks strong, with Liam Dawson and Adil Rashid named as the two specialist spinners for the match.

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Playing XI of England:

Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (C), Jos Buttler (WK), Will Jacks, Sam Curran, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid

Sri Lanka ODI squad:

Charith Asalanka (C), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Pavan Rathnayake, Dhananjaya de Silva, Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Jeffrey Vandersay, Maheesh Theekshana, Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Pramod Madushan, Eshan Malinga