England announce playing XI for first Test against Sri Lanka

In the absence of Crawley, Dan Lawrence will step up to open the innings

PHOTO: AFP

England have finalized their playing XI for the opening Rothesay Men's Test against Sri Lanka, commencing at Emirates Old Trafford on Wednesday, August 21.

Due to injuries sidelining Ben Stokes (hamstring) and Zak Crawley (finger), seamer Matthew Potts makes his return to the squad after last featuring in June 2023.

In the absence of Crawley, Dan Lawrence, a right-handed batsman, will step up to open the innings.

Harry Brook, selected as vice-captain for the series, will bolster the middle order alongside captain Ollie Pope.

England Playing XI:

Dan Lawrence, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope (c), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Matt Potts, Mark Wood, Shoaib Bashir