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Updated September 22, 2026: The England vs Sri Lanka cricket series has moved into its ODI phase after England completed a 3-0 T20I series sweep. The first ODI is being played at the Riverside Ground in Chester-le-Street on Tuesday, with England captain Harry Brook winning the toss and choosing to bat first. The match is the opening game of a three-match ODI series.
Top England vs Sri Lanka Headlines Today
- England won the toss and elected to bat first in the opening ODI.
- The first ODI is being played in Chester-le-Street on September 22.
- Harry Brook is leading England in the ODI series.
- Joe Root has returned to England’s ODI side.
- Root reached 23,000 international runs during the first innings.
- Tom Banton made his ODI opening debut for England.
- Adil Rashid has been ruled out of the ODI series with a hand injury.
- Rehan Ahmed has been added to England’s ODI squad.
- England previously defeated Sri Lanka 3-0 in the T20I series.
- The second ODI is scheduled for September 24, followed by the third on September 27.
England vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI Today
England and Sri Lanka are meeting in the first ODI of their three-match series at the Riverside Ground in Chester-le-Street. England won the toss and decided to bat.
At the early stage of the innings, England lost debutant opener Tom Banton, who was dismissed for 10. Ben Duckett then joined Joe Root at the crease as England looked to build an innings against the Sri Lankan bowling attack.
The match follows England’s dominant T20I performance against Sri Lanka, making the ODI series a new challenge for both teams.
Joe Root Reaches 23,000 International Runs
One of the biggest individual developments in the first ODI has been Joe Root’s latest international milestone.
Root became the eighth player to reach 23,000 international runs across formats during England’s innings. The milestone adds another achievement to the career of one of England’s most experienced batters.
Root’s return gives England additional experience in the ODI middle order, particularly as the team prepares for future white-ball competitions. His presence alongside younger players is also part of England’s broader preparation for the next major international cycle.
England’s T20I Series Sweep
Before the ODI series began, England completed a 3-0 T20I series victory against Sri Lanka.
England won the opening T20I by 119 runs, the second by six wickets and the third by eight wickets. In the final match at Old Trafford, Sri Lanka scored 124 before England reached the target in just 9.4 overs. Jos Buttler scored an unbeaten 62 from 32 balls, while Harry Brook contributed 33.
The clean sweep also moved England above India at the top of the men’s T20I rankings, according to reports following the third match.
Adil Rashid Injury Update
England’s ODI plans have been affected by the absence of experienced leg-spinner Adil Rashid.
Rashid has been ruled out of the ODI series because of a hand injury. Rehan Ahmed has been included as his replacement in England’s ODI squad. The England squad also includes Joe Root, Jofra Archer, Jos Buttler, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks and Liam Dawson.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, are looking for a stronger ODI performance after the T20I whitewash. The visitors have included experienced players while also giving international opportunities to emerging talent.
England vs Sri Lanka ODI Schedule
The three-match ODI series is scheduled as follows:
- 1st ODI: September 22 — Chester-le-Street
- 2nd ODI: September 24 — Headingley, Leeds
- 3rd ODI: September 27 — The Oval, London
The series is part of England’s preparations for future international white-ball competitions. England’s white-ball setup has also brought former international batter Kevin Pietersen into a specialist mentoring role, with captain Harry Brook saying Pietersen has been helping players improve their approach against spin bowling.
