Beefy's backing opener Hales to give tourists the edge
Saturday 6 December 2014 16:55, UK
Sir Ian Botham is backing England to square the series with Sri Lanka with victory in Sunday's fourth ODI in Colombo.
England trail 2-1 in the seven-match series but ended a losing run with a five-wicket win in Hambantona on Wednesday.
They go into Sunday's match, live on Sky Sports 2HD, without skipper Alastair Cook, who is serving a one-match ban for his team's slow over rate in that win, which means Eoin Morgan takes the reins.
I hope they bring in James Taylor because he deserves his chance. This is definitely a match England can win if they get into a positive attacking mode early on.
Botham expects James Taylor to get the nod in place of Cook and is calling for England's batsmen to come out all guns blazing at the Premadasa Stadium.
The Sky Sports cricket commentator said: "This is an exciting young side. I hope they bring in Taylor because he deserves his chance but this is definitely a match England can win if they get into a positive attacking mode early on and put the pressure on the Sri Lanka bowlers.
"They've certainly got the players to do it. Alex Hales and Moeem Ali look in good knick. I'm pleased to see Hales back at the top of the order," said Botham, who has tipped the Nottinghamshire opener to be England's top run scorer at odds of 100/30 with Sky Bet.
"Morgan needs a bit of a lift and I think the captaincy may give him that and if he gets going he's a real danger."
Sri Lanka are set to welcome back Mahela Jayawardene after he missed the match in Hambantona but Botham remains hopeful that last week's win has lifted spirits within the England camp.
"England must be positive and if they are they can win," added Botham.
Beefy's Bets
England win fourth ODI - 11/8
Alex Hales top England bat - 100/30
Kumar Sangakkara top Sri Lanka bat - 3/1
Steven Finn most England wickets - 7/2
