Buttler injury and Mendis century force ODI series to decider

Key points

• Sri Lanka won by 16 runs, leveling the series at 1-1 after England won the first ODI by 89 runs.
• Kusal Mendis scored 121 off 100 balls, including 14 fours and three sixes, to guide Sri Lanka to 321-6.
• Jos Buttler retired hurt on 67 with a hamstring injury, then returned to bat but was dismissed for 69 in the final over.
• England collapsed from 254-4 to 305-9 after Dunith Wellalage took three wickets in consecutive overs.
• The series decider is scheduled for Sunday at The Oval, with Buttler likely to miss the match.

Background

England had previously swept Sri Lanka 3-0 in the T20 series and won the first ODI by 89 runs at Chester-le-Street. Sri Lanka had suffered a four-match losing streak on tour before this win. The first ODI featured Sachindu Colombage's debut and Will Jacks' five-wicket haul.

How outlets are covering it

BBC Sport emphasized Buttler's 'bravery' and the impact of his injury, noting England's lower order failed to support Will Jacks. The Guardian highlighted the 'wildly different' conditions at Headingley compared to the first ODI and the significance of Mendis's first century on English soil. WRAL focused on the momentum swing after Buttler's injury and the series decider implications. All sources agreed on the final score and the key performances of Mendis and Wellalage.

Why it matters

The result halts England's momentum ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup and forces a decider. Buttler's injury raises concerns for England's white-ball series, while Sri Lanka's win boosts morale after a poor tour start.

What to watch

The series decider is scheduled for Sunday at The Oval. England will likely play without Buttler, and Sri Lanka will be buoyed by their first win on tour.