England’s record wicket taker Jimmy Anderson will come in to replace Stuart Broad as England announced their team for the second test against Sri Lanka in Galle. It is the only change made by England after their seven wicket victory in the first test as they look to wrap up the series 2-0.
It was an expected change as England head coach Chris Silverwood had hinted that Broad and Anderson would both play a test each. Broad has not missed a test since being dropped for the first test against the West Indies last summer, while Anderson is often rotated in and out of the side at the age of 38.
England make one change for the second Test against Sri Lanka starting on Friday in Galle.
— Test Match Special (@bbctms) January 21, 2021
James Anderson replaces Stuart Broad., who is rested.
Commentary from 4.15am tomorrow on 5 Live Sports Extra & @BBCSounds #bbccricket #SLvENG pic.twitter.com/zyYoQ5bI87
The full England side is: Dom Sibley, Zak Crawley, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root (C), Dan Lawrence, Jos Buttler (wk), Sam Curran, Dom Bess, Jack Leach, Mark Wood, Jimmy Anderson.
Silverwood had confirmed that Moeen Ali was not ready to play after he tested positive for Covid-19 when England arrived in Sri Lanka. Chris Woakes has also not featured after he had to isolate as a result of Ali’s positive test.
England will play the second test against Sri Lanka before immediately travelling to India to play a four test series against an India side that have just completed a historic win away in Australia.
It will be another early start for England fans as the game will start at 4:30 am GMT
Joe Root has said that it is important his side go into the India series high on confidence but admits he expects a tougher test from Sri Lanka in the second test.
