England face Sri Lanka at The Oval, hoping to secure a semi final birth at the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy. Alastair Cook's men impressed in a clinical 48-run defeat of former champions Australia and will want a similar performance against the former World Cup champions.

The Lankans were on the wrong end of a low-scoring defeat in their first game, against New Zealand. A second consecutive defeat will mean elimination from the tournament for Kumar Sangakkara's men. A win will allow the Asian giants to remain in contention for a semi final spot, with one round of games remaining.

England v Australia [ICC Champions Trophy 2013]
Reuters

Where to Watch Live

Live coverage is on Sky Sports 1 and Sky Sports 1 HD from 12.30pm BST. Real time updates are available on ESPN Cricinfo.

Overview

England strolled to a surprisingly easy win against the Australians in their first match. Ian Bell's 91 was well supported by Cook (30), Jonathan Trott (43) and a brisk 37-ball 43 by Ravi Bopara. The hosts posted 269/6 batting first at Edgbaston.

In reply, the Australians never looked comfortable, losing the key wickets of openers Shane Watson and David Warner with less than 50 runs on the board. Phillip Hughes (30) and captain George Bailey (55) tried a rescue act but excellent figures bowling from James Anderson (3/30), Stuart Broad (1/35), Tim Bresnan (2/45) and James Tredwell (1/51) meant the pressure was always on the Australian batsmen. James Faulkner made a valiant effort late on, with unbeaten 54 off 42 balls but in the end the failure of the middle order - Adam Voges, Mitchell Marsh and Matthew Wade - resulted in defeat.

Sri Lanka scramble to 138 all out at Cardiff, with Kiwi youngster Mitchell McClenaghan rapidly cementing his status as one of the hottest young prospects in international cricket. He picked up 4/43 from 8.5 overs, including the wickets of Tillakaratne Dilshan and Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews. Veteran batsman Kumar Sangakkara was the Lankans' one bright spot, with a fluent 68.

In reply, New Zealand were forced to sweat and panic for the win after Lasith Malinga and Shaminda Eranga led Sri Lanka's fight back. The two picked up six wickets for 79 runs from 18 overs but in the end, the island nation was short by maybe 15-20 runs. An innings-steadying 32 by Nathan McCullum led New Zealand to a nerve-wracking one wicket win.

Sri Lanka v New Zealand [ICC Champions Trophy 2013]
Reuters

Team Form

  • England (most recent first): W W L L W
  • Sri Lanka (most recent first): L L W L W

Team News

Graeme Swann is fit and available but based on the kind of performance the quarter of seamers - Anderson, Broad, Bresnan and Tredwell - produced against the Australians it is difficult to see where he might fit. Bresnan's wife is overdue with their first child together and he might be called away, which should solve the selection dilemma. No other changes are expected otherwise.

Probable Line-Up: A Cook, I Bell, J Trott, J Root, R Bopara, E Morgan, J Buttler, R Bopara, T Bresnan, J Tredwell, S Broad, J Anderson

Nuwan Kulasekara could be in line for a recall. Eranga did pick up two wickets against New Zealand but conceded at a touch under six runs an over in his spell. Sachithra Senanayake may also get a look in.

Probable Line-Up: T Dilshan, K Perera, M Jayawardene, K Sangakkara, D Chandimal, A Mathews, T Perera, L Thirimanne, N Kulasekara, S Senanayake, L Malinga

Australia