(COLOMBO, LANKAPUVATH) – England has won the toss and opted to bat first against Sri Lanka in Galle.
As England move on and play their first Test since Alastair Cook, Sri Lanka ready themselves to play their final Test alongside Rangana Herath – two longtime members of their respective teams and two star performers through their careers.
Cook’s departure leaves a massive gap to fill for Joe Root’s side. Sri Lanka will face the same question mark by the second Test but for now, they can rely on crafty Herath for one final time. England could well chop and change as they did against India while Sri Lanka are unlikely to make many changes on a surface that is expected to assist spin.
Team news
Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka will most likely go with three spinners – one of them obviously being Heraht – with Akila Dhananjaya and Dilruwan Perera expected to get the nod.
England: As England move to a post-Cook era, Rory Burns will open the batting alongside Keaton Jennings. Bairstow misses out with an injury putting either Ben Foakes or Chris Woakes in line for a place. Jack Leach and Adil Rashid are expected to be the spinners.
