Sri Lanka can topple England without Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer, says wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella

Sri Lanka wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella believes his team can avenge England’s 2018 sweep when the two-Test series begins on Thursday, because the tourists are missing big name players like Ben Stokes.

England were able to train today in Galle after some rain, with Chris Woakes taking a full part for the first time after a week’s self-isolation, though Moeen Ali remains in quarantine having tested positive for Covid-19.

As well as Alli’s absence, England have rested Stokes and Jofra Archer, Rory Burns is on paternity leave, Ollie Pope is recovering from injury and Adil Rashid – a key figure when they won 3-0 in Sri Lanka in 2018 – is not available for Test cricket.

Essex batsman Dan Lawrence is likely to debut, while England must work out the balance of their attack, having played just one day of warm-up middle practise.

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