England are set to face Sri Lanka without their captain Ben Stokes. The Durham player injured his hamstring playing for the Northern Superchargers in the Hundred. The three Lions hope to secure another series win as they prepare for Australia in 2025.
Ben Stokes Ruled Out
England fans were excited to see Ben Stokes this summer. Furthermore, Stokes had been at peak fitness following knee surgery last year, limiting his bowling ability. The Durham player had an incredible summer as he featured in three of Durham’s County Championship games. Following this, Stokes led England to a 3-0 series whitewash over the West Indies.
Whilst playing for the Northern Superchargers, Stokes set off for a quick single and hobbled as he completed the run. The medical staff helped Ben Stokes off the field, and subsequent scans revealed a hamstring tear. The England captain isn’t expected to play in the remaining games this summer with the England Cricket Board, hoping their captain will be fit for the winter tour of Pakistan and New Zealand.
This is a crucial blow for England as Ben Stokes has transformed this team’s fortunes. Having taken over at the lowest point of English test cricket, where the side had won one of their last sixteen test matches, Stokes transformed the team into an attacking unit and instilled a winning mentality within the side.
England continue preparations for the Ashes
Whilst the Ashes aren’t in Australia until next year, England’s entire preparation has been for the test. James Anderson was moved on from the team as England looked to fine-tune their side to win the Ashes in enemy territory. Different players are utilised in other roles, and pace bowling is at the forefront of Ben Stokes’s team.
In addition to this, Ben Stokes’ injury is a worry for England. Zak Crawley has also been ruled out with a finger injury. The Kent player was injured while fielding in the Third Test against the Windies. Crawley has been a critical cog for coach Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes with his attacking batting and opening partnership with Ben Duckett.
England’s opponents, Sri Lanka, have a considerable challenge. Their preparations ahead of this series have been less than ideal, with a seven-wicket loss to the England Lions. Sri Lanka has vast experience, and former captain Angelo Mathews is the key to their quest for victory in England.
England name five bowlers
England named their squad ahead of the first test against Sri Lanka. It contains a solid five-man bowling attack for Ben Stokes’s injury. Chris Woakes is expected to play the all-rounder role within the team.
After missing out for over a year, Mathew Potts is recalled to the side. Potts, who debuted against New Zealand, is replacing Ben Stokes. There is also a recall for Dan Lawrence, who was set to open the batting alongside Duckett in place of the injured Crawley. Laurence, who last made his England appearance in 2022, has been a part of the England squad as the 12th man and hasn’t featured under the new regime.
Dan Lawrence’s inclusion as an opener personifies this England team. Lawrence has never opened the batting in red-ball cricket but is expected to do it on the biggest stage. Ben Stokes’ absence means Ollie Pope will captain the side, with Harry Brook as the vice-captain. Jamie Smith keeps his place in the side as he looks to build on a solid start to his Test career. Furthermore, Joe Root will also look ahead of Alistair Cook as England’s highest run scorer in Test match cricket.
England Team ahead of the First Test Match: Dan Lawrence, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope (C), Joe Root, Harry Brook (VC), Jamie Smith (WK), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Mathew Potts, Mark Wood and Shoaib Bashir
Who will win the upcoming series, England or Sri Lanka? Comment below
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