Sri Lanka England Tour 2026 It reaches a crescendo today as both countries face each other in the third and final T20I at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. With England already leading the series 2-0, today’s clash is far from a mere formality. for Harry Brooke‘s men, this is a chance to complete a clinical 3-0 whitewash and build on their momentum ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup. For the hosts headed by Dasun Shanakait’s a desperate quest to save their home soil’s pride and resolve the middle-order inconsistencies that have plagued them throughout the tour.
Is Phil Salt out of order? Reason for late change in SL and ENG 3rd T20I
The biggest talking point before the first ball was the unexpected absence of England’s explosive opener. Phil Salt. Salt, who is in great form, was the first name expected to appear on the team sheet. However, as soon as the captains came together for the toss, it became clear that the hard-hitting right-hander would be watching from the sidelines.
During the shootout, England captain Brooke confirmed the news, which caused concern among the traveling fans. Brooke said, “We will have a bat tonight. It’s a used pitch, so hopefully we’ll go up with the bat first and then use a used pitch with the ball. Salt had a back spasm in the warm-up so runs out and Ben Duckett comes in. Luke Wood replaces Archer..”
The injury appears to be a sudden setback during the team’s routine physical preparations minutes before the match. While the severity of the back spasms may vary, England’s management have likely opted for caution with one eye on the grueling World Cup schedule ahead. This late mixing sees versatility Ben Duckett While drawn into the opening slot Luke Wood as the starter wins Jofra Archer he rests to manage his workload.
Also READ: Tom Banton leads England to a series win over Sri Lanka in the 2nd T20I
SL vs ENG: 11th game for both teams
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (c), Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana
England: Ben Duckett, Jos Buttler (w), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Harry Brooke (c), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Luke Wood, Adil Rashid
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