Sri Lanka Opt to Bat Against England in Second ODI at Headingley

Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat first against England in the second ODI at Headingley, Leeds, as the visitors look to bounce back after suffering a heavy defeat in the series opener.

England dominated the first ODI, securing an 89-run victory on a tacky surface. However, conditions at Headingley are expected to be different, with a quicker pitch and greater assistance for the seam bowlers.

Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis said his side needed to improve with the bat after their disappointing performance in the opening match.

"We bowled really well, and the fielding was very good. 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," Mendis said at the toss.

England captain Harry Brook said his side would also have preferred to bowl first and was pleased with the opportunity to chase under favourable conditions.

"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 also highlighted the difficulty of defending totals at Headingley, pointing to the quick outfield and good batting surface.

"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 also have fond memories of the ground, having defeated England there during the 2019 World Cup.

Sri Lanka have made one change to their playing XI, with fast bowler Eshan Malinga coming into the side in place of Dushmantha Chameera. Legspinner Sachindu Colombage retains his place after an impressive ODI debut in the first match, where he claimed three wickets for 44 runs.

Sri Lanka have also confirmed that allrounder Wanindu Hasaranga will miss the remainder of the series after aggravating a hamstring injury. He is set to return to Sri Lanka for further treatment and recovery.

England, meanwhile, have named an unchanged XI as they look to take a 2-0 lead in the series.

England XI

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

Sri Lanka XI

Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis (captain/wicketkeeper), Pavan Rathnayake, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Sachindu Colombage, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka.