England reveal playing XI for first Test against Sri Lanka, Ollie Pope to lead in Ben Stokes' absence

As usual, England announced their playing XI for the first Test against Sri Lanka much prior to the toss. The three-match Test series will kick off at Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester on Wednesday, August 21. Ollie Pope has been picked to lead the team in the absence of regular skipper Ben Stokes.

The star all-rounder was injured while playing for Northern Superchargers in The Hundred. Along with him, attacking opener Zak Crawley will also miss the series due to a finger injury. The right-hander has been replaced by Dan Lawrence at the top.

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While the vice-captain Pepe was promoted, middle-order batter Harry Brook has been appointed to serve as his deputy for the upcoming series. Notably, Brook made his return during the West Indies series. Fast bowler Matthew Potts is also making his return to England's playing XI.

"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,” read the statement from ECB.

"Yorkshire middle-order batter Harry Brook has been named vice-captan for the three-match series and will support captain Ollie Pope," it added.

England Playing XI for 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 and Shoaib Bashir.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka are yet to announce their playing XI. Star all-rounder Dhananjaya De Silva will lead the side with Kusal Mendis serving as his deputy.

Sri Lanka squad for England series: Dhananjaya De Silva (C), Kusal Mendis (VC), Dimuth Karunaratne, Nishan Madushka, Pathum Nissanka, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara, Nisala Tharaka, Prabath Jayasuriya, Ramesh Mendis, Jeffrey Vandersay, Milan Rathnayake.

Also Check: Former English batter Ian Bell to become Sri Lanka's batting coach ahead of England tour