England have unveiled a 14-member squad for the upcoming three-match Test series against Sri Lanka, commencing on Wednesday ( August 21), at Old Trafford in Manchester, followed by the next two games on August 29 at Lord’s and September 6 at The Oval. The squad retains the core of the team that clinched a 3-0 series victory against the West Indies, with two enforced changes due to injuries.

The reason behind Zak Crawley’s absence

Opener Zak Crawley has been ruled out of the series owing to his injury. Crawley, who sustained a finger injury during the third Test against the West Indies at Edgbaston, is unable to participate in both The Hundred 2024 and the Sri Lanka series. Daniel Lawrence, the reserve batter, is set to open the innings alongside Ben Duckett in Crawley’s absence.

“Opening batter Zak Crawley will miss the series due to a fractured right little finger sustained in the third Test victory over the West Indies,” The ECB’s official statement reads.

Another key change

Dillon Pennington, who was part of the squad for the West Indies series but did not play, also suffered a hamstring injury during his first match for the Northern Superchargers in The Hundred against the Oval Invincibles. This injury has also ruled him out of the forthcoming Test series.

“Seam bowler Dillon Pennington, who featured in the Test squad during the recent series victory over the West Indies, will also miss the series after sustaining a hamstring injury while playing in The Hundred competition,” the statement further added.

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New inclusions and promising talent

Essex’s Jordan Cox has received his maiden call-up to the national team following an impressive season in the County Championship. Cox will serve as additional batting cover for the three Tests, offering fresh talent and depth to the squad. Replacing Pennington in the squad as the extra pace option will be Olly Stone, who returns to the Test squad for the first time in three years. Stone, despite his injury concerns, has been in terrific form for Nottinghamshire and has performed well in his few appearances for the London Spirit in The Hundred. His inclusion brings additional firepower to England’s pace attack.

England squad for the Test series against Sri Lanka:

Ben Stokes (c), Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Jordan Cox, Ben Duckett, Dan Lawrence, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood.

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