England will take on Sri Lanka in the third and final T20I of the series at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester, on Saturday, September 19. The hosts have already sealed the series 2-0 after registering convincing victories in Southampton and Cardiff. England won the first T20I by 119 runs before following it up with a six-wicket victory in the second game.
With the series already decided, England have an opportunity to give a few squad members valuable game time. However, the performances of their current combination have been impressive enough to make wholesale changes unlikely. In the second T20I, Liam Dawson starred with three wickets, while Tom Banton smashed an unbeaten 52 off 24 balls to guide England home with 47 balls to spare.
Here is the predicted England playing XI for the third T20I against Sri Lanka:
1. Jos Buttler (wk)
Jos Buttler should retain his place at the top of the order. The veteran wicketkeeper-batter scored a quick 30 in the second T20I and also reached the landmark of 15,000 T20 career runs, becoming the first batter to achieve the feat.
Buttler’s experience remains invaluable, particularly with England looking to maintain their aggressive approach in the format.
2. Aneurin Donald
Aneurin Donald is expected to continue as Buttler’s opening partner. The Welsh batter has made an encouraging start to his international career and produced another aggressive cameo in Cardiff.
His ability to attack during the Powerplay gives England an explosive option alongside Buttler. With the series already won, another opportunity should help Donald gain further experience at the international level.
3. Harry Brook (c)
Captain Harry Brook should remain at No. 3. Brook struck 23 in the second T20I, including three sixes, before falling to Wanindu Hasaranga.
As England’s captain, Brook has overseen two dominant performances and will likely want another strong outing before the team’s attention turns towards the ODI series against Sri Lanka.
4. Tom Banton
Tom Banton has strengthened his case for a regular place with an outstanding unbeaten 52 off just 24 balls in Cardiff. He arrived at the crease after England lost Brook and immediately maintained the required tempo.
His innings included four sixes and helped England complete the chase in only 12.1 overs. Banton should retain his place and could bat at No. 4 again.
5. Jordan Cox
Jordan Cox is another player likely to continue in the middle order. He scored a rapid 22 in the second T20I and formed a destructive partnership with Banton.
Cox’s ability to rotate the strike while also attacking spin makes him an important part of England’s batting depth.
6. Will Jacks
Will Jacks should continue as England’s sixth batter and secondary spin option. His off-spin was used during Sri Lanka’s Powerplay in Cardiff, with captain Brook turning to him after Sri Lanka’s openers made a quick start.
His dual role provides England with tactical flexibility.
7. Jamie Overton
Jamie Overton has made an impact since returning to the T20I setup. He contributed with the ball in Cardiff and also took an excellent catch to dismiss Pathum Nissanka.
His ability to bowl hard lengths and provide late-order hitting makes him a useful all-round option.
8. Liam Dawson
Liam Dawson was England’s standout performer in the second T20I, taking 3/32 and earning Player of the Match honours. He also contributed two catches in the field.
His experience and control with the ball make him a strong candidate to retain his place, even with England having already secured the series.
9. Jofra Archer
Jofra Archer returned to the XI in Cardiff after Josh Tongue played the first match. He marked his 50th T20I appearance with two wickets, including two wickets in the final over.
Archer is therefore expected to spearhead England’s pace attack again in Manchester.
10. Adil Rashid
Adil Rashid should continue as England’s premier specialist spinner. He bowled intelligently in the second T20I and dismissed Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka.
His experience against Sri Lanka’s middle order makes him a valuable wicket-taking option.
11. Sonny Baker
Sonny Baker has been one of England’s most impressive performers during the series. In Cardiff, he conceded only 15 runs from four overs and also bowled a wicket maiden.
After another excellent display, Baker deserves another opportunity to lead the attack alongside Archer.
Predicted Playing XI of England
Jos Buttler (wk), Aneurin Donald, Harry Brook (c), Tom Banton, Jordan Cox, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Sonny Baker
Disclaimer: This blog post reflects the author’s personal insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the perspectives shared and draw their own conclusions.