England have announced their playing XI for the first Test against Sri Lanka, set to begin on August 21, at the Old Trafford in Manchester. The announcement comes following the withdrawal of captain Ben Stokes due to a hamstring injury sustained during a match in The Hundred. In his absence, Ollie Pope has been appointed as the stand-in captain, marking a significant moment in his career.

Ben Stokes’ replacement

Matthew Potts has been called up to replace Stokes in the squad. The 25-year-old seamer, who has previously played six Tests, will add depth to England’s bowling attack. Potts, known for his pace and ability to generate bounce, last featured in a Test match against Ireland in 2023. His inclusion comes as England opts for a four-man pace attack, reflecting their strategy to maintain pressure on the Sri Lankan batting lineup.

Stokes’ injury is a significant blow for England, as he has been a key player in the team’s recent successes. He was helped off the field during a match for the Northern Superchargers and is expected to miss the entire series against Sri Lanka, alongside fellow teammate Zak Crawley, who is also sidelined due to a broken finger.

In Stokes’ absence, Harry Brook has been appointed vice-captain, providing support to Pope as he leads the team for the first time. Dan Lawrence will open the batting, stepping in for Crawley, while Jamie Smith takes on wicketkeeping duties. As England prepares for the opening match, all eyes will be on Pope to see how he handles the captaincy pressure and whether Potts can make a significant impact in the bowling department. The first Test promises to be an exciting contest, with both teams eager to start the series on a strong note.

England’s playing XI for the first Test against Sri Lanka

Dan Lawrence, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope (captain), Joe Root, Harry Brook (vice-captain), Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Matthew Potts, Mark Wood, Shoaib Bashir

For latest cricket news & updates, visit CricketTimes.com.