England 204/2 in 33.4 Overs | England vs Sri Lanka 3rd ODI Live: Brook’s England opt to bat, series on the line at the Oval
ENG VS SL LIVE SCORE: England won the toss and elected to bat first. The home side made three changes to their playing XI from the previous match, with Jordan Cox replacing the injured Jose Buttler, while Liam Dawson and Sonny Baker came in for Rehan Ahmed and Josh Tongue.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka retained the same XI that produced a thrilling comeback win in the second ODI.
England vs Sri Lanka 3rd ODI: Toss
England won the toss and elected to bat first.
England captain Harry Brook said his team wanted to play runs after winning the toss on the board, while Sri Lanka will look to get into the ball early.
England made three changes
England were forced into a change behind the stumps after Jos Buttler suffered a hamstring injury during the second ODI.
Buttler’s injury proved decisive in the previous game as he returned to the field limping before eventually collapsing in the final over, ending England’s defence.
Jordan Cox now took over the wicket duties while Liam Dawson and Sonny Baker were also brought into the XI.
The changes see Rehan Ahmed and Josh Tongue progress alongside Buttler.
England will also have Dan Lawrence available as Buttler’s replacement for the final match.
Sri Lanka unchanged after stunning comeback
Sri Lanka opted for continuity after an impressive turnaround in the second ODI.
The visitors looked in trouble after a difficult start to the tour, but produced a spirited performance in the previous match to level the series.
Kusal Mendis was the star with the bat, smashing a century to guide Sri Lanka to 321. Their bowlers then finished the job after England threatened to take control of the chase.
Dunith Wellalage played a key role with the ball claiming three wickets as Sri Lanka’s spinners generated reverse swing in the latter stages and kept picking up wickets at regular intervals.
The result was a winner-takes-all final on the oval.
England vs Sri Lanka: Playing XI
England playing XI
Tom Banton, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook (c), Jordan Cox (w), Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Jamie Overton, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Sonny Baker
Sri Lanka playing XI
Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis (w/c), Pavan Rathnayake, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Sachindu Colombage, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka
England vs Sri Lanka: Test Series at The Oval
England won the opening ODI convincingly, with the all-round brilliance of Will Jacks playing a major role in the hosts’ victory. Joe Root and Harry Brook also made significant contributions with the bat.
Sri Lanka bounced back in the second match and produced a memorable comeback after being under pressure for much of the match.
The visitors now have an opportunity to claim a historic ODI series win in England, which they haven’t managed since 2014.
However, England will look to use home advantage to end the series with another win.
Report on Kennington Oval
The Kennington Oval is traditionally known for offering good conditions for draw play and another high-scoring encounter could be on the cards.