ngland have named a 16-man squad that will travel to Sri Lanka for two Tests between 14-26 January; Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer, Rory Burns and Ollie Pope are the notable names missing from the touring party.
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England have rested star all-rounder Stokes and fast bowler Archer from a 16-man squad for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka. Opening batsman Burns will miss the series as it coincides with the expected birth of his first child, while middle-order batsman Ollie Pope continues rehabilitation on the shoulder injury he picked up against Pakistan, although he will travel with the squad to Sri Lanka with a view to being available for the subsequent series in India.
Off-spinner Moeen Ali, who last played a Test in August 2019, has been recalled and will be one of three spin-bowling options, alongside Dom Bess and Jack Leach. England will also have the part-time spin options of Joe Root and newcomer Dan Lawrence, who has received his first call-up to the side.
England are also carrying three wicket-keeping options. Jonny Bairstow and Ben Foakes have been recalled while Jos Buttler retains his spot.
Olly Stone, who has played only one Test to date, has been named in the squad. The other fast bowlers in the touring party are Stuart Broad, James Anderson, Chris Woakes, Sam Curran and Mark Wood.
England clean-swept Sri Lanka when they last toured the country in 2018. They will aim to repeat their heroics this time, especially with World Test Championship points riding on the contest.
The team will depart for Sri Lanka on January 2. Both Tests will be played behind closed doors at Galle.
Squad: Joe Root (c), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jonathan Bairstow, Dom Bess, Stuart Broad, Jos Buttler, Zak Crawley, Sam Curran, Ben Foakes, Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Dom Sibley, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood
Reserves: James Bracey, Mason Crane, Saqib Mahmood, Craig Overton, Matthew Parkinson, Ollie Robinson, Amar Virdi
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