Silverwood backs Lawrence to make Test grade

England head coach Chris Silver wood has no doubts that "fighter" Dan Lawrence has the right mentality to step up to the challenge of Test cricket.

The 23- year-old Essex batsman is inline to make his international bow in the first Test against Sri Lanka on Thursday, with the rested Ben Stokes leaving a vacancy in the middle order. And while Lawrence will be a new face for some, Silverwood has already known him for several years having overseen his progression through the second XI ranks at Chelmsford.

In 2017 the pair helped Essex win their first County Championship in 25 years before Silverwood was invited to join Trevor Bayliss' England staff.

Lawrence is once again ready to follow and Silver - wood has ever y confidence he is ready to make it another successful promotion. "I've known Dan for a long time now. I think he's ready," he said.

"He's a great character and a fighter with lots of skill there as well. Should he get the nod we've got every confidence he can be successful. He does not get flustered. He doesn't care who the opposition are, he just loves scoring runs. I saw those characteristics in him as a young man coming into the Essex second team and he shows the same characteristics now so it is great to see the consistency.”

Meanwhile, England have confirmed Mo een Ali will not be available for the first Test against Sri Lanka,. Moeen, 33, tested positive for Covid-19 upon the squad's arrival in Sri Lanka on 4 January and remains in isolation. Chris W oak es is out of isolation after being deemed a possible close contact but Silverwood said it will be "tight" for him to be ready for the first Test.