England Forced to Reshuffle Squad as Zak Crawley and Dillon Pennington Ruled Out of Sri Lanka Test Series
Published: August 4, 2024 | Updated: August 4, 2024
In a setback for the England cricket team, Zak Crawley and Dillon Pennington have been ruled out of the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka. Crawley, who suffered a fractured finger in England’s previous Test against West Indies, will miss the three-match series, while Pennington has been sidelined due to a hamstring injury.
As a result, Surrey’s Dan Lawrence is set to open the batting alongside Ben Duckett, marking his return to Test cricket. The uncapped Jordan Cox has also been called up to the 14-strong squad, which features the experienced Olly Stone making a comeback after more than three years.
“Lawrence, who has previously batted at various positions for England, is being given the opportunity to showcase his skills at the top of the order, aligning with the team’s policy of selecting players based on their performance rather than their designated roles.”
The 27-year-old Lawrence has been in impressive form in the County Championship this season, scoring 584 runs at a strike rate of 75. Meanwhile, the 23-year-old Cox, a former Kent player, has an average of 69 and a strike rate of 67, earning him a spot in the squad.
The injury to Pennington has paved the way for the return of Olly Stone, who is eager to make the most of this chance after undergoing a back operation in 2021. The fast bowler, who has played for Nottinghamshire, is determined to cement his place in the Test team.
The three-match Test series against Sri Lanka is scheduled to commence on August 21 at Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester, followed by matches at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London and the Kia Oval, also in London.
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