Each day our exclusive MATCH OF THE DAQ service previews the big match of the day – usually a televised game.

As well as the preview we also bring you the head to head records of the two teams as well as a recommended bet on BETDAQ for the match.


England v Sri Lanka, Headingley
ODI Series, 2nd match
Start time: 13:00, Sky Sports 1

HEAD-TO-HEAD

(Max last 10 only)
28 Jun 2011 The Oval England won by 110 runs (D/L Method)
26 Mar 2011 Colombo (RPS) Sri Lanka won by 10 wickets          
25 Sep 2009 Johannesburg England won by 6 wickets          
13 Oct 2007 Colombo (RPS) Sri Lanka won by 107 runs          
10 Oct 2007 Colombo (RPS) England won by 5 wickets          
07 Oct 2007 Dambulla England won by 2 wickets (D/L Method)          
01 Oct 2007 Dambulla Sri Lanka won by 119 runs          
04 Apr 2007 Sir Viv Richards Stadium Sri Lanka won by 2 runs          
01 Jul 2006 Headingley Sri Lanka won by 8 wickets          
28 Jun 2006 Old Trafford Sri Lanka won by 33 runs

PREVIEW

Alastair Cook’s England ODI captaincy got off to a solid start in the first ODI against Sri Lanka, although he’ll be disappointed with his personal return of five runs.

Continuing Sri Lanka’s rain-themed tour, the weather shortened the contest, but the Three Lions still put on a terrific performance. James Anderson tore the opposition apart and finished with figures of 4 for 18. The action now moves north to Leeds and England will be confident of taking a 2-0 lead.

Sri Lanka must improve their batting if they are to have any chance of leveling the ODI series. Only four players reached double figures, while the two top scores were bowlers Suraj Randiv and Lasith Malinga – reaching 24 and 26 respectively.

Kevin Pietersen and Eoin Morgan will look to kick on from their impressive innings at the Oval. Both batsmen scored quickly and will be full of confidence heading into match two of the series. However, it was Craig Kieswetter who stole the show with 61 runs from 56 deliveries. The opener averages 29.30 and his highest score in his ODI career is 107.

England have played 15 matches at Headingley and the side’s record currently stands at won 15, lost 9. The past two ODI matches here have gone in England’s favour, beating Pakistan and South Africa in 2010 and 2008.

At around 1.69 on Betdaq, England are worth backing to take a 2-0 lead in the series and hand Cook the perfect start to his captaincy.

RECOMMENDATION: (1-10 points)
Back England to win at around 1.69: 4 points

Thursday’s Return: +4.08 points