England announce playing XI for second Test against Sri Lanka

Following Mark Wood's injury during the first Test at Old Trafford, Olly Stone has been selected to replace him in the pace attack

PHOTO: AFP

England have finalized their lineup for the second Test against Sri Lanka at Lord's, starting from August 29.

Following Mark Wood's injury during the first Test at Old Trafford, Olly Stone has been selected to replace him in the pace attack.

This adjustment marks Stone's return to the Test squad after a period of battling injuries and striving for consistent fitness.

Despite the consideration of uncapped left-armer Josh Hull, the selectors have opted to persist with Stone, who will be appearing in only his fourth Test match.

Stone, who made his Test debut against Ireland at Lord's in 2019, now has the opportunity to showcase his skills again as England seeks to maintain their winning momentum in the ICC World Test Championship series against Sri Lanka.

England XI for second Test: Ben Duckett, Dan Lawrence, Ollie Pope (c), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Matthew Potts, Olly Stone, Shoaib Bashir