West Indies bat; Madushka debuts for Sri Lanka with Nissanka injured

Posted By on October 20, 2024

Toss West Indies chose to bat against Sri Lanka

West Indies won the toss and elected to bat first in the first ODI in Pallekele. It’s the first of three games at the venue, with Sri Lanka already having won the T20I leg of the tour 2-1.

Shai Hope said this was an opportunity to put the disappointment of the T20 series defeat behind them, while Charith Asalanka said he would have batted first as well but that the morale of the side is good coming into the game.
In terms of team news, Sri Lanka have gone with three spinners – Wanindu Hasaranga, Jeffrey Vandersay and Dunith Wellalage, and just the sole seamer in Asitha Fernando – though Janith Liyanage also bowls medium pace. They will be without their star opener Pathum Nissanka, who is missing out due to a quadricep injury flaring up. Nishan Madushka makes his ODI debut at the top of the order.

West Indies too have brought in an added spin option in leg spinner Hayden Walsh., to supplement Gudakesh Motie and Roston Chase, while Alick Athanaze can also roll his arm over. Jayden Seales, Alzarri Joseph and Romario Shepherd provide seam cover.

In terms of the pitch, Pallekele has been known to favour seam bowling traditionally, but here it’s unusually dry with some visible tracks. Spin will likely play a prominent role, though with slow turn expected the batters might be well served working the outfielders over what is a fairly big ground.

Sri Lanka XI: Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Avishka Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (capt), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Jeffrey Vandersay, Asitha Fernando

West Indies XI: Brandon King, Alick Athanaze, Shai Hope (capt, wk), Keacy Carty, Sherfane Rutherford, Roston Chase, Romario Shepherd, Hayden Walsh, Gudakesh Motie, Jayden Seales, Alzarri Joseph

Source: ESPN Crickinfo

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