Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images
The eagerly awaited three-Test series between England and Sri Lanka is all set to commence on August 21 at Old Trafford. England currently positioned sixth in the 2023-25 World Test Championship (WTC) standings and Sri Lanka sitting fourth.
Old Trafford, one of England’s most iconic Test venues, is known for its fast pitch. The surface is expected to be quick, with pace playing a crucial role in the match.
Ben Duckett
Dan Lawrence
Ollie Pope (c)
Joe Root
Harry Brook
Jamie Smith
Chris Woakes
Gus Atkinson
Shoaib Bashir
Matthew Potts
Mark Wood
Dimuth Karunaratne
Nishan Madushka
Kusal Mendis
Angelo Mathews
Dinesh Chandimal
Dhananjaya De Silva (c)
Kamindu Mendis
Prabath Jayasuriya
Asitha Fernando
Vishwa Fernando
Milan Rathnayake
Wicketkeepers: Kusal Mendis
Batters: Joe Root, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Pathum Nissanka, Dinesh Chandimal/Dimuth Karunaratne
All-rounders: Dhananjaya de Silva, Chris Woakes
Bowlers: Mark Wood, Gus Atkinson, Matthew Potts
England’s depth and familiarity with home conditions make them the favorites to win the series opener. While Sri Lanka has the potential to secure a victory in one of the later matches, possibly at Lord’s or The Oval, England is expected to come out on top in this first Test.