Rory Burns to replace Alastair Cook in England's Test team
Alastair Cook retired from international cricket, after playing the fifth Test against India, earlier this month, at the Oval. The southpaw had a brilliant run and ended as England's highest ever run-scorer in the format. A lot of buzz was around who will replace the legend. Now, the English team has called up Surrey's Rory Burns for the tour of Sri Lanka.
Burns an experienced County cricketer comes in
The 28-year-old Burns is an experienced campaigner in domestic cricket and helped his side bag the County Championship title this year. He ended as the top scorer with 1,319 runs at an average of 69.42. He is now set to open the innings alongside Keaton Jennings, who held his place in the team. Burns hit four centuries and seven fifties this year.
Burns looking forward to do well in Lanka
Burns cannot wait to get started and is really looking forward to the tour of Sri Lanka. "I've never been to Sri Lanka before so that'll be something new and I'm looking forward to getting going," he told BBC Radio London. Burns promises to add steel to this side after having scored 1,000+ runs in each of the last 5 seasons.
Burns will be tested severely by Lankan spinners
Burns has a daunting task ahead after being asked to replace Cook. He will have to score consistently. Cook ended his career with 12,472 runs in Tests. Burns will be tested severely in turning Lankan pitches.
Joe Denly, Olly Stones too handed berths in Test squad
Besides Burns, England have also called up Kent's Joe Denly and Warwickshire fast bowler Olly Stone. Both players could make their Test debut in Sri Lanka. Denly earlier appeared for England in 9 ODIs and 5 T20Is back in 2009-10. The all-rounder guided Kent to promotion to Division One with 3 centuries and also claimed 20 wickets. Stones picked 37 wickets in Division Two.
England have a fancied bowling unit
England have a heavy spin attack with Jack Leach too called in. He last played against New Zealand earlier this year. Besides Leach, the side boasts of Adil Rashid and Moeen Ali as well. The pace bowling looks strong with the regulars being selected. James Anderson will lead the line alongside partner Stuart Broad. All-rounders Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes and Sam Curran are back-ups.
England squad for the series against Sri Lanka
Joe Root (captain), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Joe Denly, Keaton Jennings, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, Adil Rashid, Ben Stokes, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes.
