Potts returns, Lawrence to open as England name XI for Old Trafford Test

On August 19 (Monday), England announced their starting XI for the first Test against Sri Lanka at Old Trafford, starting August 21 (Wednesday). The side sees the return of Matthew Potts, who last played a Test for the Three Lions against Ireland at Lord’s in 2023. 

Potts was a part of the squad for the three Tests against West Indies but did not get a game. With Ben Stokes injured, England opted to promote Chris Woakes to No.7 and play an extra seamer in the form of Potts.

Potts’ return means that there is no debut for the highly rated Jordan Cox, who was a surprise call up ahead of the series. 

READ: Potts interview: I was rightly left out of the PAK tour, but I’m a more versatile bowler now

Meanwhile Dan Lawrence, who has not played a Test since March 2022, will open the batting in place of Zak Crawley, who was ruled out of the series due to a finger injury sustained during the third Test of three-match series against West Indies at Edgbaston in July. 

Lawrence has opened the batting seven times in his first-class cricket, but only twice since 2015. One of those instances came against Somerset earlier this year, where he smashed an unbeaten 53 off just 34 balls.

With Ollie Pope leading the side, Harry Brook has been named the vice-captain. Jamie Smith will continue to be the wicket-keeper batting at number 6. Gus Atkinson, Mark Wood and Shoaib Bashir will play together for the fourth Test running.

England XI for Old Trafford Test

Dan Lawrence, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope (capt), Joe Root, Harry Brook (vice capt), Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Matthew Potts, Mark Wood, Shoaib Bashir