Sri Lanka vs England – 1st Test Betting Tips

Dimuth Karunaratne-led unit will be looking to draw first blood when they take on England in the opening game of the Test series at Galle International Cricket Stadium from Tuesday.

After suffering from a clean sweep against South Africa in Test cricket, Sri Lanka will certainly looking to make amends for their recent poor record in home conditions. The home side will be pleased that Angelo Matthews, Suranga Lakmal and Kasun Rajitha have recovered from injuries and will be available for this contest.

The visitors have only played one warm-up intra-squad game at Hambantota. Joe Root will be hoping that the side can adjust to the conditions and deliver a decent show in this Test series. The team management will assess the pitch conditions and then select their final XI.

Sri Lanka Team and Form News

For home, there is a decent chance of a series win over England in home conditions. In 2018, the home side suffered whitewash at the hands of England in three-match series. Retribution will be on their minds as captain Dimuth Karunaratne will be hoping that the side can deliver their best cricket at Galle.

The only setback for Sri Lanka is batting all-rounder Dhananjaya de Silva ruled out of the Test series due to a torn thigh. In their previous series in South Africa, the likes of Dimuth Karunaratne, Dinesh Chandimal and Kusal Perera showed excellent form for Sri Lanka.

In the bowling department, the likes of Suranga Lakmal and Vishwa Fernando will be given the task to provide breakthroughs with the new-ball. The conditions might be conducive for spinners so Lasith Embuldeniya and Dilruwan Perera will be slotted into the playing XI.

England Team and Form News

The visitors will take heart from the fact that they performed exceedingly well in their previous tour to Sri Lanka in 2018.  Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer have been rested for the series, while Leg-spinner Adil Rashid was overlooked by the selectors.

With Ollie Pope not available and Rory Burns on paternity leave, the onus will be on Captain Joe Root, middle-order duo of Jonny Bairstow and Jos Buttler to make notable contributions in this first Test.

With the thundery showers expected for the game, the surface might have something for quick bowlers. The team management might include new-ball pair of James Anderson and Stuart Broad for this opening game of the series.

The pitch is expected to provide a lot of assistance to the bowlers. The batsmen will have to take a conservative approach and see off the new-ball in bid to score runs.

Odds by Casumo

According to the Casumo sportsbook, England will start as firm favorites to win this opening Test of the series at Galle International Stadium. For the opening Test, England are placed at 1.80 odds, while Sri Lanka at 2.70 odds.

Check out our Cricket Odds Here

Our Tipster’s Angle

Joe Root and co. have been in excellent form after winning six matches out of their last ten matches played since December 2019.  The side registered comfortable series wins over West Indies and Pakistan last year. England will be confident of continuing their winning streak in this series.

On the other hand, Sri Lanka will have to raise their game with bat and ball in order to push England in this two-match series.

Therefore, the prediction is for England to win the match and go 1-0 up in the two-match series.

Tip 1: Dilruwan Perera impressive numbers at Galle

On a pitch that is expected to provide assistance to the spinners, Dilruwan Perera will be looking to make an impact for Sri Lanka in this opening contest. The off-spinner failed to find a place in the playing XI in their previous series in South Africa.

With 52 wickets in eight matches at an average of 24.25, Dilruwan Perera certainly enjoys the conditions at Galle International Cricket Stadium. We are backing Dilruwan Perera to take three wickets or more @3.00.

Conclusion

Expect England to register a hard-fought win over Sri Lanka and take 1-0 lead in the series.

1. Dilruwan Perera-take three wickets or more-Sri [email protected].

Check out our Cricket Odds Here