The first of the three test cricket series between England and Sri Lanka beginning 16 May will be telecast live on ESPN, while the next two tests will be telecast on Star Sports.

While Muttiah Muralitharan's injury has put the Sri Lankans on the back foot for the first match, the equations could well reverse with the next test match. Lanka's strengths are underlined by few more factors, with their performance being exceptional in the recent past, be it on home turf or overseas. Their success can only flourish with the experienced Aravinda De Silva joining the Sri Lankan ranks. The others like Marvan Atapattu, Kumar Sangakkara, Chaminda Vaas can rally around Captain Sanath Jayasuriya too.

For Nasser Hussain's team though, accolades would be somewhat difficult to come by. On the Indian tour their team showed a lot of promise. But, on the New Zealand tour the Englishmen floundered, and only managed to square the one-day series at 2-2 after squandering the advantage in the last match. Thereafter, in the test series England won the first test match and allowed the Kiwis come back and square the test series.

Therefore, the situation remains with England enjoying the, "home advantage" and Sri Lanka, "the confidence". Hence, it could weel be a battle of advantage and confidence.

Schedule for the three Test Series to be played between England and Sri Lanka

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