‘England will be under the pump’ – Angelo Mathews backs Sri Lanka in ODI series decider

Former Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews took to X on September 27, 2026, to back his country amid the third and deciding ODI against England at Kennington Oval in London. The series stood level at 1-1, making the match a straight shootout for the series title.

Mathews, who has represented Sri Lanka in 119 Tests, 226 ODIs and 90 T20Is, posted his message on X ahead of the toss.

“England will be under the pump coming into the game today and srilanka should keep to their basics and add more pressure! Good luck guys,” the legendary cricketer wrote.

Series background: how the 1-1 scoreline was set

The first ODI at Chester-le-Street went to England, who won by 89 runs. England posted 265 before Sri Lanka were dismissed for 176 in reply. Will Jacks contributed with both bat and ball in that match. That defeat was Sri Lanka’s fourth consecutive loss on the tour, following a 3-0 T20I series whitewash in which Harry Brook was named Player of the Series.

Sri Lanka levelled the series in the second ODI at Headingley. Captain Kusal Mendis scored 121 as Sri Lanka posted 321/6, and England were restricted to 305/9 in reply, losing by 16 runs. Dunith Wellalage took three wickets in that match, while Jos Buttler scored 69 before leaving the field with a hamstring injury.

England’s changes for the decider

Buttler was ruled out of the series decider. Jordan Cox takes over wicketkeeping duties, while Dan Lawrence was added to the squad as cover. England made three changes to the side that lost at Headingley, with Sonny Baker, Liam Dawson and Cox coming in for Rehan Ahmed, Josh Tongue and the injured Buttler. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, have understandably decided not to make any changes to the playing XI that helped them restore parity in the three-match series.

Brook won the toss on Sunday and opted to bat first. Ben Duckett and Joe Root have been dismissed for 0 and 18, respectively, but Tom Banton has registered his second fifty in a row and would want to covert it into a three-figure score.

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