Adil Rashid absent from England's XI for 1st ODI vs Sri Lanka at Riverside

Adil Rashid was absent from England’s XI for the first One-Day International against Sri Lanka at the Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street, the opening match of the three-match ODI series. His omission from the side surprised many fans around the world.

England completed a 3-0 sweep over Sri Lanka in the preceding three-match T20I series and the two teams have shifted focus to the ODI leg, with both sides seeking their preferred combinations ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup. The first ODI got under way at the Riverside Ground as England prepared to field a strong batting line-up.

England confirmed the decision on Rashid was not a selection omission: the wrist spinner suffered an injury to his hand before the first ODI. "An update on Adil Rashid pic.twitter.com/uyaSjFa3us"

Rashid has featured in 164 ODIs, claiming 243 wickets at an economy rate of 5.64. Against Sri Lanka specifically he has played 18 ODIs and taken 22 wickets at an economy rate of 4.97, which the report notes is his second-best economy rate against an opponent, and his absence is described as a big blow for the hosts who rely on him during the middle overs.

England’s playing XI includes two spin all-rounders, Rehan Ahmed and Will Jacks, with Joe Root available to bowl some overs as well. England won the toss and elected to bat first in the 1st ODI in Chester-le-Street.

The hand injury has ruled Rashid out of the ODI series and he will not be available for any game against Sri Lanka.