England vs Sri Lanka 3rd Test at the Oval September 6-10th – Cricket Betting Tips and Match Predictions
MATCH: England vs Sri Lanka
DATE: September 6, Friday
TIME: 3:30 pm IST
VENUE: The Oval,United Kingdom, United Kingdom
TOURNAMENT: 3rd Test 2024
England will face Sri Lanka in the third and final Test match of the series at The Oval. England, having already secured the series with two convincing wins, will look to complete a clean sweep.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will aim to restore some pride by ending the series on a high note. The historic venue of The Oval adds to the occasion, known for its unique pitch conditions that could play a decisive role in the outcome.
England’s Current Test Form
England comes into this match with the series already won, but they will be eager to maintain their momentum. Joe Root has been the standout performer, scoring crucial runs in both Tests, while Gus Atkinson has emerged as a key bowler, especially in the second Test where he took 5 wickets in Sri Lanka’s second innings. However, the absence of Ben Stokes due to a leg injury, Zak Crawley due to a fractured finger and Mark Wood with a leg injury, has tested the depth of the English squad.
Ollie Pope’s leadership will once again be under the spotlight. While he has struggled with the bat, the experience of Root, combined with the attacking prowess of Harry Brook and the solid performances of Ben Duckett, has kept England in control. The bowling attack, led by Chris Woakes and Mark Wood, has consistently troubled the Sri Lankan batters, with Olly Stone and Gus Atkinson providing excellent support.
Sri Lanka’s Current Test Form
Sri Lanka has shown glimpses of potential but has been largely outplayed in this series. Dhananjaya de Silva’s leadership has been admirable, but the team’s inability to build substantial partnerships has been their downfall. Dimuth Karunaratne and Angelo Mathews have shown resilience, but the middle order has often crumbled under pressure, leading to subpar totals.
On the bowling front, Asitha Fernando has been Sri Lanka’s most effective bowler, claiming 5 wickets in England’s first innings of the second Test. Milan Rathnayake has also impressed with his pace and accuracy. However, the lack of consistent support from the other bowlers has made it difficult for Sri Lanka to contain the English batters.
Key Points to Watch
- Ollie Pope’s Captaincy: With the series already won, Pope’s captaincy in the final Test will be closely watched. His ability to manage the bowlers and set aggressive fields could be crucial.
- Sri Lanka’s Batting Resilience: Sri Lanka’s top order needs to step up. Karunaratne and Mathews have shown they can resist the English attack, but they need support from the middle order to post competitive totals.
- England’s Fast Bowling Unit: England’s fast bowlers have been relentless. The ability of Woakes, Stone, and Atkinson to extract movement at The Oval will be a deciding factor.
3rd Test – Cricket Betting Tips and Match Predictions – PrePlay
Who will win the toss? – England
Who will win? – England
Top Batter (Runs Scored): Joe Root (England), Dhananjaya de Silva (Sri Lanka)
Top Bowler (Wickets Taken): Gus Atkinson (England), Milan Rathnayake (Sri Lanka)
Most Sixes: Harry Brook (England), Angelo Mathews (Sri Lanka)
Player of the Match: Joe Root (England)
Team Scores Batting First: England 380+, Sri Lanka 260+
Match Handicap: England