England announce playing XI for 2nd test vs Sri Lanka, Olly Stone returns after three years

The second test match between England and Sri Lanka will be played from August 29 to September 2.

England have announced their playing XI for the second match of the three-match test series against Sri Lanka. The second test is scheduled to get underway on August 29 at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London.

Fast bowler Olly Stone has replaced injured Mark Wood in the playing XI for the second test. This is the only change England have made from the XI that won the first test by five wickets in Manchester.

The right-arm speedster Stone is returning to the test side after three years. Stone, who has earned three test caps in his injury-riddled career, made his test debut in 2019 and last played the longest international format in June 2021. In three tests, he has bagged 10 wickets at an average of 19.40.

Wood suffered a right muscle strain during the first test and has been ruled out of the remainder of the series. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have called left-arm seamer Josh Hull as Wood’s replacement in the squad.

About taking Wood’s role in the XI, Stone said, “It’s been pretty frightening… the way he’s come in and bowled this summer is very exciting. Hopefully, I can go out there and try to touch his speeds. He’s obviously up there with the fastest in the world so I’m not sure if I’ll match it – but I’ll give it a good shot.”

England XI for second Test vs Sri Lanka:

Ben Duckett, Dan Lawrence, Ollie Pope (Captain), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith (Wicket-Keeper), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Matthew Potts, Olly Stone, Shoaib Bashir

England vs Sri Lanka test series 2024 schedule:

2nd Test: vs Sri Lanka, 29 August-2 September 2024, Lord’s Cricket Ground, London

3rd Test: vs Sri Lanka, 6-10 September 2024, Kia Oval, London

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