Matthew Potts replaces injured Stokes for 1st Test against SL
Pacer Matthew Potts is set to play in place of the injured Ben Stokes in England's Test series opener against Sri Lanka. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has named the hosts' Playing XI for the 1st Test scheduled at the Emirates Old Trafford. Potts replaces the regular English captain, Stokes, who has been ruled out of the summer with a hamstring injury. Batter Ollie Pope will lead England against Sri Lanka, with Harry Brook serving as his deputy.
Potts's selection prompts batting order reshuffle
Stokes's absence with the aforementioned hamstring injury has led to a reshuffle in England's batting order. Jamie Smith, Chris Woakes, and Gus Atkinson form England's middle order for the series opener. Potts, known for his lower-order batting skills, demonstrated his prowess by scoring 149* against Warwickshire earlier this season. This was his first-ever century in First-Class cricket.
Lawrence to open following Crawley's injury
Daniel Lawrence is set to open the innings for England following Zak Crawley's finger injury, which he suffered in the last Test against the West Indies. Despite being a regular squad member for the past 17 Test matches, this will be his first Test cap in the Bazball era. As per ESPNcricinfo, Lawrence has previously played at every position between number three and seven. He presently has 551 runs in 11 Test matches.
England's Playing XI for 1st Test against SL
England's Playing XI for 1st Test against SL: Daniel Lawrence, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope (captain), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith (wicket-keeper), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Matthew Potts, Mark Wood, and Shoaib Bashir.
Can SL challenge Stokes-less England?
England will host Sri Lanka in the opener of the three-Test series, starting on August 21 at the Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester. The Brits would be confident, having thrashed West Indies 3-0 at home last month. However, they will be without their regular skipper Stokes. SL, meanwhile, must be at their best to impose a challenge.
