England make one change in Sri Lanka
ENGLAND have recalled record wicket-taker James Anderson for the second Test against Sri Lanka, replacing Stuart Broad in the only change to a winning side.
Broad played an important role in helping the tourists take a 1-0 lead, taking three first-innings wickets and bowling with great control, but will make way for his long-term partner this week.
The pair have long been expected to share the workload across England’s six sub-continental Tests this winter, rotating the job of leading the seam attack in predominantly spinning conditions.
Anderson, 38, comes in for his 157th Test having become the first paceman to reach 600 Test wickets in his previous appearance, but there are no further changes.
That means no place for Warwickshire quick Olly Stone, who had hoped to come in for Mark Wood, while left-armer Sam Curran continues in place of Chris Woakes.
England’s decision to switch their two most experienced bowlers makes marginal material difference to the make-up of the XI, with Anderson liable to play an almost identical role to Broad in the hope of similar returns.
In retaining Wood over Stone they have erred against seeing how the latter shapes up in Asian conditions ahead of next month’s India tour. For Wood, it represents a vote of confidence after playing only one of England’s six summer Tests as well as an examination of his sometimes fragile fitness.
The 31-year-old has not always been seen as a prime candidate for back-to-back five-day games but has been a more robust proposition since lengthening his run-up a couple of years ago.
Meanwhile, Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer will spearhead England’s Test tour of India next month after being named in squad for the start of the four-match series.
The star all-rounder and key pace bowler were both rested from the current tour of Sri Lanka but return in a 16-strong group alongside opener Rory Burns, who has been on paternity leave.
The returning trio will take up places vacated by Sam Curran, Mark Wood and Jonny Bairstow.