England vs Sri Lanka ODI series 2016: The combined XI
Sri Lanka take on hosts England in the first of the five One-Day International series at the Trent Bridge in Nottingham.
After the trouncing in the Test Series, Sri Lanka showed their effectiveness against Ireland by clinching the 2-match ODI series by comprehensive margins. They are a much better ODI outfit and would love to put things in order.
Hosts England, on the other hand, have turned a corner themselves as far at white ball cricket is concerned and after a forgettable 2015 World Cup, they have roped in specialists for the One Dayers and it has reaped dividends. And the fact that they will be buoyed by the convincing performances in the Test Matches.
We present the combined XI for the first match between England and Sri Lanka.
#1 Alex Hales
For much of his career, Hales was considered to be a limited overs slogger. But he has changed the perception with many innings of substance in the recently concluded Test Series. Although he did not get to the century, his application and the ability to spend time at the crease was a testament to his ability.
He returns to the format where he is the most comfortable, and playing on his home ground, he will want to continue his rich vein of form. Hales is an attacking batsman up front and loves to put the pressure on the bowlers right from the word go. His strike rate of 87.93 is on the upward move and hence becomes a potent force right at the top of the order.