Following their series against the West Indies, England is now preparing for their upcoming home series against Sri Lanka. The England cricket team has unveiled their playing XI for the first Test match of the series. This announcement sets the stage for an exciting contest as England looks to make a strong start on home soil. Fans can look forward to an engaging battle between the two teams, with England eager to capitalize on their home advantage and secure a winning start to the series.
England’s Playing XI for 1st Test Against Sri Lanka:
Harry Brook has been appointed vice-captain of the England cricket team for their forthcoming series against Sri Lanka, following the announcement of the playing XI for the first Test on Monday, August 19.
Brook rejoined the squad during the West Indies series and will serve as deputy to captain Ollie Pope, as Ben Stokes has been ruled out of the series due to injury. Brook will hold this role throughout the Sri Lanka series, with the first Test scheduled to start on August 21 at Old Trafford in Manchester.
In addition to Stokes’ absence, England will also miss opener Zak Crawley, who is sidelined with a finger injury. Dan Lawrence has been selected to replace Crawley at the top of the order. These changes set the stage for an intriguing series opener, as England adjusts their lineup to face Sri Lanka.
Pacer Matthew Potts returns to England’s playing XI for the first time since June 2023, marking a notable comeback. Shoaib Bashir will take on the role of lead spinner, following his impressive performance against the West Indies. England’s squad for the first Rothesay Men’s Test match against Sri Lanka has been revealed, with the match set to begin at Emirates Old Trafford on Wednesday, August 21. These selections underscore England’s strategic adjustments as they prepare for the series opener.
In a statement released by ECB, it was stated, “ With Ben Stokes (hamstring) and Zak Crawley (finger) both missing through injury, Durham seamer Matthew Potts returns to the side for the first time since June 2023. Surrey batter Dan Lawrence will open the batting in Crawley’s absence. Yorkshire middle-order batter Harry Brook has been named vice-captan for the three-match series and will support captain Ollie Pope.”
England’s Playing XI in 1st Test:
Dan Lawrence, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope (captain), Joe Root, Harry Brook (vice-captain), Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Matthew Potts, Mark Wood, Shoaib Bashir
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