SL seek revival vs England in crucial game

Sri Lanka will look for a vastly improved batting performance against hosts England on Thursday as they try to stay afloat in the Champions Trophy.

Sri Lanka will look for a vastly improved batting performance against hosts England on Thursday as they try to stay afloat in the Champions Trophy.

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Angelo Mathews’ team were shot out for 138 against New Zealand in Cardiff on Sunday, and only a hostile four-wicket spell from sling-arm fast bowler Lasith Malinga helped them save face in the narrow one-wicket defeat.

Sri Lanka, World Cup finalists in 2007 and 2011, must now defeat both England and Australia in day-night matches at the Oval to keep their semi-final hopes alive from group A.

England, meanwhile, brushed aside old foes Australia by 48 runs in their first match.