England vs Sri Lanka Second Test Match Predictions & Betting Tips 

England head into the second of their three-match test series against Sri Lanka on Thursday after winning the first test match to maintain their perfect record this summer. Ahead of the second meeting between the two sides, we are taking a look at how both sides fare following a tight first four days at the Emirates Old Trafford. 

England Preview 

After having to work slightly harder than captain Ollie Pope would have anticipated in the first test, there are many positives this England side will take into the second test on Thursday. 

With no Ben Stokes, wicket-keeper Jamie Smith found himself upgraded in the batting lineup. Already looking an impressive player both with the gloves and the bat in just his fourth test match, Smith showed he is a force to be reckoned with yet again and will be a key focus for their opponents this time out to try and put a stop to. Alongside strong performances from Harry Brook and Joe Root, England look like favourites for another win.

After sustaining a thigh injury, England will be without their fast bowler Mark Wood. As a result, they have called up Leciestershire’s Josh Hull. A 20-year-old left-arm quick who stands at 6ft 7 and is an ex-rugby player is an exciting new threat for Sri Lanka alongside Olly Stone, who could be selected.

Sri Lanka Preview 

The visitors certainly did not let the win come easily for England, making a game of it despite a lacklustre performance from their opening batters. It was the experienced middle order of Angelo Matthews and Dinesh Chandimal who really got the game going, as well as an impressive performance from all-rounder Kamindu Mendis, which saw his third century in just four tests. 

A strong bowling performance from Asitha Fernando and spinner Prabath Jayasuriya, who took six wickets, looks to be Sri Lanka’s biggest threat to this England side. They will be hoping to inflict another tough game on their hosts, and with stronger performances from their top-order batters, they could well cause an upset in England’s unbeaten summer.

We expect an unchanged lineup from the visitors with no injuries to report following the first match.

England vs Sri Lanka History 

The last time these two countries faced each other in a Test Series was in 2020/21 when England won the series. The sides have met 17 times previously, with the hosts claiming the series win nine times, Sri Lanka winning five times, and three have resulted in a draw.

First Test Recap

A slightly different look England side stepped out at Old Trafford led by captain Ollie Pope after Ben Stokes was ruled out of the rest of the cricket summer with a hamstring tear sustained in The Hundred. 

The first match of the series saw a strong performance from a side with debutants, not much experience and an altered batting order, representing the depth of the England test squad as it had little effect on the performance. 

Sri Lanka’s top-order batters struggled to build a partnership, but their lower middle order salvaged a competitive score to go on to challenge the hosts. 

A strong bowling performance from Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, and Gus Atkinson, alongside an experienced performance with the bat from Joe Root and Harry Brook and a maiden test century for Jamie Smith, ultimately saw Ollie Pope secure his first test match victory as captain. 

ENG vs SL Betting Tips 

The second test match will see an England side full of confidence walk out at Lord’s looking to secure the series 2-0. However, Sri Lanka will be determined to take the series to 1-1 and leave it to the third and final test. Below, we have provided the top odds from Betfred for an England win. *Odds accurate as of 27/08/24.

• Match Winner England @ 2/9 with Betfred
• Team Top Run Scorer (1st Innings) Joe Root @ 13/5 with Betfred.