In Manchester, England, Durham seamer Matthew Potts has been named in England’s squad for the upcoming test match against Sri Lanka at Old Trafford beginning on Wednesday. Potts is stepping in for the injured Ben Stokes, who sustained a hamstring injury while playing in the Hundred domestic competition. Despite only featuring in one test match last year following a successful 2022 season, Potts has been given the chance to prove himself over teammate Olly Stone.
In a solitary change from the England team that achieved a 3-0 series victory against West Indies last month, Dan Lawrence will be opening the batting, marking almost 2 and a half years since his last of 11 caps. Zak Crawley’s absence due to a fractured finger has paved the way for Lawrence to partner with Ben Duckett at the top of the order.
Originally starting his career as an opener with Essex, Lawrence has showcased his capabilities as a middle-order batsman known for his aggressive stroke play, despite briefly returning to opening the batting and scoring a half-century for Surrey in April.
Ollie Pope will lead the team in Stokes’ absence, while Harry Brook has been appointed as the vice-captain. Although injured, Stokes will continue to be present with the team during the test series.
The England team for the upcoming test match comprises Dan Lawrence, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope (captain), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith, Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Matthew Potts, Mark Wood, and Shoaib Bashir.