Sri Lanka vs England: ECB announces the squad for the Test series

England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced the Test squad for the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka. This will be the first time that England Test team will play without Alastair Cook who retired after the India series recently. Rory Burns, expectedly, has earned his maiden call-up to the national team thanks to his exploits in the County Championship this season.

Adil Rashid continues to be part of the Test side after his controversial return for the five-match series against India in August. Though he didn’t do much, the fact that they are touring to the sub-continental nation must have helped Rashid retain his place. Moeen Ali, the hero of Southampton, has also made it to the side and he will be key to England’s chances in Sri Lanka.

Jennings gets another chance

Keaton Jennings has somehow managed to get another chance to revive his Test career. Also, the selectors have opted for a reserve opener in Joe Denly which means that he will have to be aware of his shot selection and probably will be his last opportunity now. As far as the bowling attack is concerned, James Anderson, Stuart Broad, Chris Woakes and Sam Curran form a strong pace quartet and Jack Leach has returned to the team.

Joe Root will be the leader once again and this tour will pose a different challenge for him given that Sri Lanka are very strong in their own den and are fresh off a series win against South Africa. Even the brittle top and middle-order of England has to contribute. Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes are key for England in helping them post a big total.

Interestingly, Ollie Pope has also retained his place and Olly Stone has earned a maiden call-up in Test squad as well. He was picked in the ODI squad a few days ago and looks an exciting prospect. The Test series against Sri Lanka begins on November 6.

England Test squad: Joe Root (c), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Rory Burns, Stuart Broad, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Joe Denly, Keaton Jennings, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, Adil Rashid, Ben Stokes, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes

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