England Cricket Board (ECB) on September 21 announced England men's playing eleven for the first ODI of the series against Sri Lanka. ECB has confirmed that Tom Banton will open the innings alongside Ben Duckett in an injured Jacob Bethell's absence. Banton has played seven ODIs so far but is yet to open in the format on the international stage.
However, Banton has opened for Somerset. He also opens in the T20I format. He has opened in T20 franchise leagues as well. While the move may be temporary, Banton can be considered as a backup opener for ODI World Cup 2027 in South Africa in case there is an injury setback like the current one.
Banton will be playing his first ODI since February 2025. It was his first ODI appearance since 2020. So far, he has scored just one ODI fifty which came against Ireland. He has scored 172 runs from seven ODIs so far.
England's Playing XI vs Sri Lanka -
Tom Banton, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook (c), Jos Buttler, Will Jacks, Rehan Ahmed, Jamie Overton, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue.
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Players missing out of series opener
Jordan Cox is another candidate for the opening role. He has been benched for the first ODI of the series. Other benched players in the squad are Adil Rashid, Sonny Baker and Henry Crocombe. England seem to be bolstering their batting lineup. Thus, leaving Rashid out in favour of Rehan.
England had beaten India in the ODI series 2-1 at home. England have also completed a T20I series cleansweep against Sri Lanka with commanding wins. The Harry Brook-led side will look to continue their winning run at home. They will be targeting Sri Lanka's sixth position in the ICC ODI team rankings. Currently, England are placed seventh with 93 points, three less than Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka’s squad for ODIs vs England
Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis (c & wk), Pavan Rathnayake, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Maheesh Theekshana, Kamil Mishara, Dunith Wellalage, Sachindu Colombage, Eshan Malinga.