Five Issues for England to Resolve Against Sri Lanka

After a shocking run of form since last summer’s Ashes victory over Australia there are more than a handful of issues that England must address before their upcoming test series against Sri Lanka. Here are five of the most pressing concerns….but fans of cricket betting could certainly come up with a few more.

First and foremost England must ensure that Alistair Cook is the right man to captain the side. Assured of his place, eloquent and experienced, Cook always looked like the only choice to replace Andrew Strauss, but his judgement was called into question at times last summer when his declaration timings and field placings showed a lack of confidence. England’s 3-0 Ashes victory helped to mask Cook’s misjudgements- Betfair punters will know that the series victory could, and should, have been more comprehensive. Events since last summer have only served to make Cook’s position even less secure.

After the third test of England’s disastrous Ashes tour to Australia last summer, Graeme Swann, one of the side’s most consistent and talented performers, called time on his England career and, in the process, left the side in desperate need of a new frontline spinner. Monty Panesar came in to replace Swann in the fourth Ashes test but, at the age of 32, he is not a long term solution. The selectors may go with Monty against Sri Lanka but, if they are looking to the future, they may opt to throw in Simon Kerrigan or Scott Borthwick. There are few players who are obviously ready to fill Swann’s shoes but Betfair fans will know that the spin issue as a key problem for England to overcome if they are to trouble Sri Lanka.

England’s third issue to resolve is their wicketkeeper selection. Matt Prior was dropped after the third test defeat in Perth following a poor run of form but his replacement, Jonny Bairstow was unable to take advantage. With a lack of experience all over the field, the selectors must be considering a recall for Prior but, if they opt not to go for the Sussex keeper, then Bairstow doesn’t seem to offer a real solution. One man who has caught the eye in ODIs and could offer a new dimension to England’s batting line-up is Jos Buttler; the 23 year old would certainly excite Betfair punters but, with England in turmoil, is it the right time to throw him in. Whoever the selectors go for, they must stick with him all summer to have any hope of regaining consistency.

The fallout from the most recent Ashes series has left England’s middle-order devastated. With Kevin Pietersen having been forcibly retired by the selectors and Jonathan Trott looking unlikely to return after a stress related condition, the time is right for new blood. Ian Bell should be moved up the order to bat at number three, with two of Joe Root, James Vince, Eoin Morgan or James Taylor taking the number four and five berths- Ben Stokes should remain at number six. It is not ideal to have to replace two of your most experienced batsmen at the same time but, after such a dismal few months, Betfair punters will know how important it is for the selectors to make the right decision. England have built much of their recent success on a strong middle-order; they must find the right combination in order to get back to their best.

The fifth issue for England to resolve is Alistair Cook’s opening partner. Michael Carberry was thrown into the lion’s den against Australia and looks unlikely to retain his place. Joe Root and Nick Compton have also failed in recent series’ to nail down the number two slot.  Middlesex’ Australian-born opener Sam Robson could be the next man in the frame for England; after an unbeaten century for England Lions against Sri Lanka A last winter and a steady start to this year’s County Championship he could be just the man to make the second opening slot his own.

England meet Sri Lanka in the first test at Lords on 12^th June. 

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