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The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Tuesday, August 27, announced their playing XI for the second Test against Sri Lanka, set to be played from Thursday, August 29 at the Lord’s in London. With Mark Wood being ruled out of the Test series after he sustained an injury in the opening Test of the three-match series at the Old Trafford in Manchester, Olly Stone has been named his replacement in the XI.
Although the side remains the same as the opening Test, Olly Stone’s inclusion is the only change. The Nottinghamshire seamer will mark his return in the national side after a three-year absence. Earlier, the ECB had named Josh Hull as Mark Wood’s replacement in the remaining Tests against Sri Lanka, but the selectors have opted for experienced, Olly Stone over the 20-year-old, Josh Hull.
Olly Stone reflects on challenging times with injury ahead of 2nd Test
It is to be noted that Olly Stone’s journey in the national team has been a challenging one due to several injuries. The Nottinghamshire seamer makes a return to the side after overcoming a torn anterior cruciate ligament. Speaking ahead of the second Test against Sri Lanka, Stone said, “Unfortunately with the nature of being a bowler, you are going to pick up injuries here and there. It’s been disappointing, stop-start throughout my career.”
“This year especially, I’ve tried to just not look too far ahead. I love playing the game and I just knew that if I go out there and produce those performances this call might come,” the 30-year-old had said. While he will aim to replicate Wood’s speed and provide boost to the side in the absence of key pacers. “Hopefully, I can go out there and try and 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,” Stone added.
England’s Playing XI vs Sri Lanka for 2nd Test
Ben Duckett, Dan Lawrence, Ollie Pope (Captain), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Matthew Potts, Olly Stone and Shoaib Bashir.
