8 months ago
117
Just moments away from the start of the 2nd Test, but before that, the players from both sides make their way out to the middle and line up for their respective national anthems. It will be Sri Lanka's first followed by the national anthem of England.
Ollie Pope, the captain of England says that they would have batted anyway. Adds that when you are in Lord's, you look up and then look down, that's what they say. Mentions that they are happy to bat and got what they wanted in both games. Ends by saying that the conditions are slightly different, more English and quicker outfield.
Dhananjaya de Silva, the skipper of Sri Lanka says that there is always swing in the first hour. Adds that Pathum Nissanka has been in good form in white-ball cricket. Mentions that they need to pick up 20 wickets to win and they have brought in Lahiru Kumara for his experience. Ends by saying that they need to execute better in this Test.
Stone, a Nottinghamshire seamer, has got the nod over 20-year-old left-arm pacer Josh Hull, who received his first call-up to the squad after Wood's injury
Wood has been ruled out for the remainder of the series after suffering a thigh injury during the first Test
Olly Stone has been recalled to the England side for the first time in three years as the replacement for Mark Wood in the only change for the second Test
Pathum Nissanka, who has enjoyed one-day international success this year but last played a Test match in 2022, replaces Kusal Mendis in the Sri Lanka top order and pacer Lahiru Kumara comes in for left-armer Vishwa Fernando
That defeat has left them needing to win at Lord's, where they have drawn six and lost two of their previous eight Tests, if they are to level this three-match series at 1-1 and turn next month's finale across London at the Oval into a decider
The tourists pushed England hard before losing last week's first Test at Old Trafford by five wickets
Sri Lanka would be hoping to climb up the World Test Championship (WTC) table as they go in search of a maiden win in the five-day format against England at Lord's
English (US)