Alastair Cook
Alastair Cook became the first Englishman to reach 10,000 runs in test cricket Getty Images

England host Sri Lanka in the third and final Investec test match at Lords on 9 June (Thursday). England lead the three-match series 2-0.

Where to watch live

Match starts at 11am BST. Live TV coverage is available on Sky Sports 2 and Sky Sports 2 HD. Click here for the live streaming link.

Overview

The hosts have had a perfect start to the summer, winning both their games against Sri Lanka. While they absolutely destroyed the visitors in the first game, the second game saw the Lankans show some fight in the second innings which did surprise England.

Eventually, England won the second test comfortably by nine wickets in a match that saw skipper Alastair Cook become the first Englishman to reach the 10,000-run mark. Moeen Ali and James Anderson were the standout performers with bat and ball respectively. Ali finally ended his run drought to score an unbeaten 155 in the first innings while Anderson finished with match figures of 8/94.

The Three Lions will be confident of a clean sweep. A win here will see Sri Lanka suffer the first whitewash in their test history. With no injury worries as such, they are expected to go in with the same team that played in the last test.

dinesh chandimal
Dinesh Chandimal lead Sri Lanka's fightback in the second test scoring his sixth ton Getty

Despite their poor show, the Lankans had some positives, in particular their fightback in the second innings. Dinesh Chandimal showed why he is rated so highly, scoring a measured 126, his sixth test ton. Skipper Angelo Mathews also worked his way into form with a fluent 80-run knock.

The bowling remains a cause for worry. Injuries to key bowlers have left their fast-bowling options limited. Besides, Sharminda Eranga is set to join the sidelines after he was reported for suspect action in the second test. The conditions have not suited spinner Rangana Herath either.

Prediction

England to win

Betting odds (betfair)

  • England to win: 3/10
  • Draw: 10/3
  • Sri Lanka to win:11

Team News

England

Possible XI: Alastair Cook (c), Alex Hales, Nick Compton, Joe Root, James Vince, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Stuart Broad, James Anderson, Steve Finn

Sri Lanka

Possible XI: Dimuth Karunaratne, Kaushal Silva, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal (wk), Angelo Mathews (c), Lahiru Thirimanne, Dasun Shanaka, Rangana Herath, Dilruwan Perera, Suranga Lakmal Nuwan Pradeep.

England