England Includes Matthew Potts for First Test vs Sri Lanka
Potts Named in England Squad for First Test vs Sri Lanka England have named Matthew Potts as an additional seamer for their squad for the first Test against Sri Lanka at Emirates Old Trafford on Wednesday. This marks Potts’ return to Test cricket after more than a year, replacing injured captain Ben Stokes, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury.
To cover for Stokes, England have opted for a fourth specialist fast bowler rather than including an additional batter. Consequently, wicketkeeper Jamie Smith will bat at number six, followed by Chris Woakes at seven, with Gus Atkinson, Potts, Mark Wood, and spinner Shoaib Bashir completing the lineup.
In Stokes’ absence, Ollie Pope will captain England for the first time, becoming the team’s 82nd men’s Test captain. Harry Brook has been appointed vice-captain, while Dan Lawrence returns to Test cricket after over two years, stepping in for injured opener Zak Crawley. Crawley is out of the series following a finger injury sustained while attempting a slip catch during the final day of the third Test against the West Indies last month. Both Crawley and Stokes are hopeful to be fit for the Pakistan tour in October.
Although Stokes attended England’s training session on Monday and will likely stay with the team throughout the Sri Lanka series, Pope and coach Brendon McCullum addressed the squad.
With pace bowler Dillon Pennington, who was part of the squad for the West Indies series, still injured, Potts has been selected over Nottinghamshire’s Olly Stone. Potts last played for England over a year ago against Ireland at Lord’s and has taken 23 wickets at an average of 29.
Dan Lawrence, who has not featured in a Test since Stokes and McCullum took charge, was last seen in action during the 2022 tour of the West Indies. The 27-year-old averages 27 with the bat and has not previously opened in Test cricket, though he has done so in white-ball cricket and first-class matches.
England XI for First Test vs Sri Lanka: Ben Duckett, Dan Lawrence, Ollie Pope (captain), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith, Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Matthew Potts, Mark Wood, Shoaib Bashir
Lawrence expressed his adaptability, saying, “One of my biggest strengths is being able to bat in various positions. I haven’t opened for a while, but I’m excited to partner with Ben Duckett and hopefully make a strong impression.”
Lawrence, who has been part of the England squad during Stokes’ tenure, was a reserve batter for previous tours and series. While Crawley is expected to return directly to the side once fit, Lawrence aims to impress during these three weeks. He said, “I’m not focusing too much on the future. I want to perform well and enjoy my time in the team.”
Pope, who has been Stokes’ deputy for most of the past two years, steps into the captaincy role for this match. The last instance of an England captain missing a Test through injury was Michael Vaughan in 2007. Pope has previously led Surrey in a County Championship match and multiple T20 Blast games this season.
Lawrence praised Pope, stating, “He’s a very impressive character and I’m sure he’ll handle the role well. He’s been a key player for England recently and will be just as effective as a leader.”
