Ben Stokes Ruled Of FirsEngland will enter the first Test against Sri Lanka at Old Trafford on Wednesday with several players having the opportunity to step up, as the captain of the team is suffering from an injury.
Star all-rounder Ben Stokes will miss the entire three-match series after suffering a hamstring tear during the Hundred tournament.
This means England will be without their inspirational leader for the first time since Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum came with their “Bazball” era.
England announced their team on Monday, bringing back fast bowler Matthew Potts and choosing a five-man bowling attack.
Ollie Pope, the vice-captain of England, will now step in as captain, even though he has only captained his county team, Surrey, in one first-class match.
“I was just waiting for an opportunity. And wherever that was, in the order, I was going to snap their hands off for it,” he added. “So I’m just going to enjoy these few weeks and hopefully score some runs and put my name in the hat for future selection,” said Lawrence about his selection in the side.
Daniel Lawrence will step into the opening slot, replacing Zak Crawley, who is sidelined with a finger injury. Lawrence last played a Test for England against the West Indies in March 2022. Over his 11 Test appearances, he has scored 551 runs at an average of 29, including four half-centuries.t Test Against Sri Lanka, England Announces The Replacement
