England vs Sri Lanka: Matthew Potts and Dan Lawrence named in England squad for first Test at Old Trafford Cricket News

England have recalled Matthew Potts and Dan Lawrence for the primary Take a look at of their sequence in opposition to Sri Lanka.

The hosts completed 3-3 in July attributable to accidents to opening batsman Zak Crawley and captain Ben Stokes (Ollie Pope was captain). Changes had been compelled in the course of the 0-0 sequence win over West Indies.

Surrey’s Lawrence changed Crawley on the high of the order as anticipated, whereas Durham seamer Potts received the match and took Stokes’ place, with England opting for an additional bowler – relatively than batting. bowler Jordan Cox – to fill the all-rounder’s sneakers.

Stokes tore his left hamstring whereas enjoying 100 for Northern Superchargers in early August and was dominated out for the remainder of the summer time, whereas Crawley defended within the ultimate Take a look at in opposition to the West Indies Damaged finger.

Harry Brooke has been named vice-captain for the three-match sequence, which begins at Previous Trafford on the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday earlier than additional video games at Lord’s Stadium and The Oval, every Each recreation might be broadcast reside sky sports activities.

In Stokes’ absence, wicketkeeper Jamie Smith and all-rounder Chris Woakes will transfer up one place to sixth and seventh respectively in England’s batting order.

Lawrence: I am match to start out England batting mode

Lawrence will bat for the primary time in Take a look at cricket, returning to the group greater than two years after his final look for his nation.

The 27-year-old stated he was assured he “suits the mould” for England’s Take a look at opener underneath head coach Brendan McCullum.

“I feel that is the fashion of cricketers that Buzz McCullum and Ben Stokes usually go for, and my basic method is to attempt to be fairly aggressive,” Lawrence stated.

“I’ve at all times tried to return into the sport and rating factors. I feel I match the mould higher in that regard. Once I heard about Zach, the very first thing I considered was, ‘Am I going to open the sport?’ I shortly I discovered this to be the case for me, so I spent just a few weeks interested by it and doing a little workouts.

“I’ve performed some kind of cricket all through my profession and that is helped me, so I will do the identical factor. I am simply going to go on the market and attempt to be as free as potential.”

Like Lawrence, Potts is returning after a spell out. The Durham seamer performed only one Take a look at final yr after his breakthrough summer time of 2022, however he has the prospect to show a degree after Ollie Stone was picked forward of him.

Smith and bowler Gus Atkinson, who each impressed within the first sequence in opposition to West Indies, stay a part of the squad, whereas 20-year-old Shoaib Bashir He continues to be England’s chief spinner.

England XI to tackle Sri Lanka

Dan Lawrence, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope (captain), Joe Root, Harry Brooke (vice-captain), Jamie Smith (goalkeeper), Chris Woakes, Gus A Turkinson, Matthew Potts, Mark Wooden, Shoaib Bashir.

England vs Sri Lanka sequence

• First Take a look at, Emirates Stadium, Previous Trafford – August 21-25
• Second check, Lord’s – August twenty ninth to September 2nd
• Third check, oval – September 6-10

England’s three-Take a look at sequence in opposition to Sri Lanka begins on Wednesday at Previous Trafford, the Emirates Stadium in Manchester. Watch Sky Sports activities Cricket reside from 10am (first match at 11am). You can also live stream Test series and more with a NOW Sports Monthly Membership – no contract, cancel anytime.