ENG vs SL 3rd Test 2024: Match Preview, Head to Heads, Playing 11, Pitch Report, and Live Streaming Details
As England and Sri Lanka head into the third and final Test of the series at Kennington Oval in London, starting on September 6, the host team is aiming to complete a clean sweep. England has dominated the series so far, winning the first Test at Old Trafford by 5 wickets and the second Test at Lord’s by a convincing 190 runs. With momentum firmly on their side, England will be looking to carry their winning form into the final match.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will be desperate to salvage some pride after two disappointing performances. Despite some individual brilliance, they have struggled to match England’s intensity and consistency. The Oval offers them a chance to regroup and finish the series on a high note.
ENG vs SL 3rd Test 2024: Match Details
Date: Friday, September 6, 2024 – Tuesday, September 10, 2024
Time: 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT / 11:00 AM Local
Venue: Kennington Oval, London
ENG vs SL 3rd Test 2024: Head-to-Head
Since their first Test match in 1982, England and Sri Lanka have faced each other in numerous series, with England winning the majority of the encounters. In recent years, England has continued to showcase its dominance. For instance, in the ongoing 2024 series, England won the first Test at Old Trafford by five wickets and the second Test at Lord’s by 190 runs, clearly illustrating their superiority in home conditions.
Historically, England has often overpowered Sri Lanka, particularly in English conditions. Notable wins include a comprehensive innings and 88 runs victory at Leeds in 2016 and a 211-run win at Galle during their 2018 tour of Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka, however, has had its moments, such as the memorable win by 100 runs at Leeds in 2014, which secured them their first series victory in England.
Sri Lanka’s success has largely been confined to home soil, where they have managed to pull off significant victories, such as the innings and 215 runs triumph in Colombo in 2003 and the 88-run win in Kandy in 2007. These results highlight Sri Lanka’s ability to utilize home conditions to their advantage, especially on spin-friendly pitches.
Eng vs SL 3rd Test 2024: Squad news
England
In the batting lineup, England might consider bringing Jordan Cox into the squad to strengthen the top order or middle order if Ben Duckett or Dan Lawrence continues to struggle. Cox could offer a fresh approach and provide stability. If Mark Wood is fit, he could replace Olly Stone to add pace and experience to the bowling attack. However, if the pitch conditions favor spin, retaining Shoaib Bashir might be a better option.
Sri Lanka
For Sri Lanka, Pathum Nissanka, who played in the second test, should retain his spot, potentially replacing a struggling top-order batter. Kusal Mendis could return to the squad to add experience and stability to the batting lineup. In the bowling department, if the pitch at The Oval supports spin, Jeffrey Vandersay might be a good addition. Alternatively, Vishwa Fernando could be considered if conditions favor seam bowling to provide left-arm pace.
ENG vs SL 3rd Test 2024: Possible Playing Eleven
England
Ben Duckett, Daniel Lawrence, Ollie Pope (C), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Josh Hull, Mark Wood/Olly Stone, Shoaib Bashir
Sri Lanka
Dimuth Karunaratne, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal (wk), Dhananjaya de Silva (c), Kamindu Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando/Jeffrey Vandersay
ENG vs SL 3rd Test 2024: Pitch Report and Weather Conditions
The Kennington Oval pitch typically offers a balanced playing surface that caters to both batsmen and bowlers, though its characteristics can vary depending on the weather and conditions leading up to the match. Historically, it has been shown to favor seam bowlers early in the game, with the pitch offering bounce and movement off the seam. As the match progresses, the pitch tends to become more conducive to batting, with runs becoming easier to come by.
In recent seasons, the Oval has witnessed a mix of results. The pitch tends to support spin bowlers as the game nears its final stages, which means teams with quality spin options can exploit this aspect towards the end of the match. The weather can also play a role; a dry spell can lead to a drier pitch, which becomes more favorable for batting, while moisture in the pitch can aid seamers.
WTC Final Scenarios for Eng vs SL 3rd Test 2024 Match
England
England is currently in fifth place on the WTC points table with a PCT (percentage of points) of 45.83. With the upcoming series against Pakistan, England’s performance in the third Test against Sri Lanka is crucial. A victory would not only secure a series sweep but also boost their PCT, enhancing their chances of moving up the standings.
To remain in contention for a spot in the WTC final, England must continue their winning momentum against Sri Lanka and follow up with strong performances against Pakistan. Every win from this point onward is vital for England to keep their hopes alive for a place in the final.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is currently in seventh place with a PCT of 33.33. Their chances of making it to the WTC final are slim, but not entirely out of reach. To improve their standing, Sri Lanka needs to win the third Test against England and perform exceptionally well in their upcoming series against New Zealand.
A win in the third Test would significantly boost Sri Lanka’s PCT and provide them with a much-needed confidence boost ahead of their matches against New Zealand. However, they must also rely on other results going their way to have a realistic chance of moving up the rankings and staying in contention for the final.
ENG vs SL 3rd Test 2024: LIVE Telecast and LIVE Streaming Details
Where to Watch ENG vs SL 3rd Test 2024 in India?
Fans in India can watch the game on Sony Sports Network.
