England begin their home ODI series against Sri Lanka with the first match at Chester-le-Street on Tuesday, September 22. Harry Brook’s side arrive with significant momentum after a one-sided 3–0 T20I series win, while Sri Lanka need a sharp response after struggling to adapt to English conditions during the opening leg of the tour.
In short, England vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI will be played at the Banks Homes Riverside Ground in Chester-le-Street on September 22, 2026. England enter as clear favourites after winning the T20I series 3–0 and beating Sri Lanka 2–1 in an ODI series in Sri Lanka earlier this year. Sri Lanka will rely heavily on Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka and their spin-all-round depth to challenge the hosts.
The fixture is the opening match of a three-game ODI series, followed by games in Leeds on September 24 and at The Oval on September 27. England have named Harry Brook as ODI captain, while Kusal Mendis leads Sri Lanka.
This is more than a routine series opener for both teams. England are working towards the 2027 ODI World Cup with a refreshed white-ball group led by Brook, and the match provides another opportunity to settle their opening combination, assess fast-bowling depth and bring senior players such as Joe Root and Jos Buttler into the 50-over setup.
England’s confidence is high. They swept Sri Lanka 3–0 in the preceding T20I series: the first match was won by 119 runs, while England chased targets in only 12.1 and 9.4 overs in the next two games. They had also won the ODI series in Sri Lanka 2–1 earlier in 2026.
For Sri Lanka, the match represents a chance to reset in their preferred longer white-ball format. They are already secure in sixth place in the ODI rankings and effectively qualified for the 2027 World Cup, but they need performances in English conditions—particularly against high pace and on bouncy pitches—to strengthen their tournament plans.
SL vs ENG Match Details
- Match: England vs Sri Lanka, 1st ODI
- Series: Sri Lanka tour of England 2026
- Format: One-Day International, 50 overs
- Date: Tuesday, September 22, 2026
- Local Time: 12:30 PM BST
- Venue: Banks Homes Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street, Durham
SL vs ENG Live Streaming Info
- IndiaTV channels: Sony Sports Network (Sony Sports Ten 1 / Ten Cricket and related SD/HD channels)
- Live streaming: SonyLIV app and website
- Pakistan Live Streaming: Tapmad (digital)
- Sri Lanka TV channels: PEO Sports (PEO TV), Sony Sports 1 (HD ch. 320 / SD ch. 38), Ten Cricket (HD ch. 317 / SD ch. 44), Dialog TV
- Live streaming: SLT-Mobitel PEO TV, Dialog TV, and SonyLIV
- United Kingdom TV channels: Sky Sports Cricket, Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports+sundayguardianlive+1
- Live streaming: Sky Go app, NOW (day or month membership), and in some cases free-to-air on Channel
The SL vs ENG 1st ODI match will be live on Willow TV.
Live Score Info:
Sri Lanka vs England 1st ODI 2026: ESPN and Cricbuzz have live scores.Riverside Ground Pitch Report
The Riverside Ground in Chester-le-Street usually offers the quick bowlers something early, especially under cloud cover. Seam movement, carry and a little bounce can make the first 10 overs difficult for an incoming batting side. However, once the new ball loses its hardness, the surface often becomes much better for stroke play.
The pitch had a green look before the game, but sunshine in Durham is expected to help produce a more balanced batting wicket. The outfield is typically quick, so batters who get through the initial movement can score rapidly. England captain Harry Brook has particularly fond memories of the venue, having scored his maiden ODI hundred there nearly two years ago.
Historical venue numbers suggest that chasing has been marginally more successful. Of 28 recorded ODIs at the ground, teams bowling first have won 15, compared with 11 victories for sides batting first. The average first-innings score is around 240, although a disciplined batting performance can push the total beyond 280. The highest successful chase at the venue is England’s 314/4 against Australia.
A captain winning the toss may prefer to bowl first, use the morning movement, and chase under lights. However, a fresh pitch could also reward a side that bats carefully in the powerplay and builds a substantial total.
Chester-le-Street Weather Update
Fine weather is forecast for Durham, with temperatures expected to reach the low 20s Celsius. There is no major rain threat in the available forecast, which is positive news for a full 50-over contest. The earlier start means conditions may assist seam bowlers in the first session, while the late-afternoon and evening phases should be more comfortable for batting.
Dew is not normally as decisive in England as it can be on the subcontinent, but the ball may become easier to hit after sunset if the pitch remains true. Sri Lanka’s bowlers must therefore make full use of the new ball rather than allowing England’s aggressive top order to dictate the innings.
England Team Analysis
England look well balanced, even with Phil Salt, Sam Curran and Jacob Bethell unavailable through injury. Tom Banton has been confirmed as Ben Duckett’s opening partner, while the return of Joe Root adds calmness and control at No. 3. Root’s ability to bat through the middle overs could be especially valuable if Sri Lanka’s spin trio of Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage creates early pressure.
Brook is the focal point of England’s batting. He has scored 215 ODI runs this year and his record against Sri Lanka is particularly strong: he averages 92 against them, boosted by an unbeaten 136 in Colombo in January. His average of 51.82 as captain is also more than double his record when not leading the side.
Jos Buttler supplies finishing power and experience, while Will Jacks gives the batting extra aggression and a part-time off-spin option. Jamie Overton’s return from injury adds genuine lower-order power and another pace-bowling resource.
England’s pace attack is formidable. Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue can all exploit the bounce available in Durham, while Rehan Ahmed has been selected in the XI because Adil Rashid is carrying a hand niggle and underwent a scan. England’s only potential concern is that their aggressive approach can occasionally expose the middle order if early wickets fall.
England strengths: Explosive top order, depth through Buttler and Jacks, high-quality fast bowling, home conditions and Brook’s excellent record against Sri Lanka.
England weaknesses: A new opening pairing, a spin attack without Rashid, and a tendency to lose wickets when attacking early.
England key players: Harry Brook, Joe Root, Jofra Archer, Jos Buttler and Gus Atkinson.
England recent form: They won the ODI series in Sri Lanka 2–1 earlier this year and have just completed a dominant 3–0 T20I sweep over the same opposition at home.
England Probable XI: Tom Banton, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Will Jacks, Rehan Ahmed, Jamie Overton, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue
Sri Lanka Team Analysis
Sri Lanka arrive under pressure after a difficult T20I series, but ODI cricket provides them with a more familiar structure and a better chance to use their all-round resources. The key will be whether their top order can survive England’s new-ball attack. Pathum Nissanka is their most important specialist opener, while Kusal Mendis returns from a hamstring issue to captain and keep wicket.
Mendis has been one of Sri Lanka’s brighter ODI performers in 2026, scoring 211 runs in four innings at an average of 70.33. If he can anchor the innings, players such as Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage and Dasun Shanaka have the ability to accelerate through the middle and late overs.
Sri Lanka’s greatest strength remains their bowling variety. Wanindu Hasaranga offers wicket-taking leg-spin and useful lower-order batting, while Theekshana or Wellalage can control the middle phase. Dushmantha Chameera brings pace, and Asitha Fernando’s ability to seam the ball makes him an important option in English conditions.
However, Sri Lanka’s fast bowlers were heavily punished in the T20I series, and their batting struggled against England’s pace and relentless attacking intent. They cannot afford another poor start. If Nissanka and Mendis lose early wickets, Sri Lanka could be pushed into a defensive total before their spinners even enter the game.
Sri Lanka strengths: A technically capable top order, high-class spin options, several all-rounders and Kusal Mendis’ recent ODI form.
Sri Lanka weaknesses: Fragile recent tour form, uncertainty around the opening combination, and a pace attack that has struggled to contain England’s hitters.
Sri Lanka key players: Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga and Dushmantha Chameera.
Sri Lanka recent form: Sri Lanka lost the T20I series 3–0 after England dominated each match, but they did win the first ODI during England’s January visit before losing the three-match series 2–1.
Sri Lanka Probable XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (c & wk), Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando
England vs Sri Lanka ODI Head-to-Head Record
The England-Sri Lanka ODI rivalry has been remarkably close over the years. England hold only a narrow advantage, underlining that Sri Lanka have regularly challenged them in this format.
| Head-to-Head Record | England | Sri Lanka |
|---|---|---|
| Total ODIs Played | 79 | 79 |
| England Wins | 38 | — |
| Sri Lanka Wins | — | 37 |
| No Results | 3 | 3 |
| Tied Matches | 1 | 1 |
England have been particularly strong against Sri Lanka in recent bilateral meetings. Since the beginning of 2016, England have won 10 ODIs against Sri Lanka, with four defeats, one tie and three no-results.
Last Five England vs Sri Lanka ODI Meetings
| Date | Result |
|---|---|
| January 27, 2026 | England won by 53 runs in Colombo |
| January 24, 2026 | England won by 5 wickets in Colombo |
| January 22, 2026 | Sri Lanka won by 19 runs in Colombo |
| October 26, 2023 | Sri Lanka won by 8 wickets at the ODI World Cup |
| July 4, 2021 | No result in Colombo |
England won the most recent bilateral series 2–1 in Sri Lanka, recovering strongly after Sri Lanka took the opening ODI by 19 runs.
Key Match Talking Points
The first major battle will be England’s new-ball trio against Sri Lanka’s top order. Archer’s speed, Atkinson’s bounce and Tongue’s movement can make life uncomfortable for Nissanka and Kamil Mishara. Sri Lanka need one of their openers to bat deep into the innings.
The second contest is England’s middle order against Sri Lanka’s spin. Root, Brook and Buttler are excellent players of spin, but Hasaranga and Theekshana can be dangerous if they bowl with scoreboard pressure behind them. Sri Lanka cannot allow England to reach the middle overs at six or seven runs per over without wickets.
Brook versus Hasaranga may decide the momentum. England’s captain has been in strong touch, carries a superb record against Sri Lanka, and knows the Riverside conditions well. Sri Lanka will want Hasaranga to attack him rather than simply contain him.
England start as strong favourites because of their recent results, superior familiarity with conditions and the overwhelming confidence gained from the T20I clean sweep. Their batting order has depth from Banton and Duckett through to Buttler and Overton, while Archer, Atkinson and Tongue are ideally suited to the early conditions in Durham.
Sri Lanka can make the contest competitive if Kusal Mendis produces another important ODI innings, Nissanka gets through the powerplay, and their spin attack creates a middle-over squeeze. But their bowling has been under sustained pressure throughout the tour, and England’s batting strength on a good Riverside surface makes them difficult to oppose.
England’s stronger current form, home advantage and fast-bowling quality give them the edge, although Sri Lanka’s spin department could keep the contest close if they take early wickets.