Thu. Dec 19th, 2024
Occasional Digest - a story for you

England have named Matthew Potts in their side as an extra seamer for the first Test against Sri Lanka at Emirates Old Trafford on Wednesday.

The 25-year-old comes in for his first Test in more than year in place of injured captain Ben Stokes, who misses the three-match series with a hamstring injury.

It means England have chosen to cover for all-rounder Stokes with a fourth specialist fast bowler, rather than a batter.

As a result, wicketkeeper Jamie Smith moves up to number six, followed by Chris Woakes at number seven, then Gus Atkinson, Potts, Mark Wood and spinner Shoaib Bashir.

In Stokes’ absence, Ollie Pope will lead England for the first time, becoming their 82nd men’s Test captain.

Harry Brook has been promoted to vice-captain, while Dan Lawrence returns for his first Test in more than two years, taking the place of injured opener Zak Crawley.

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