England batsman expresses frustration despite being named in the Playing 11 for the 1st Test vs Sri Lanka
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England batter Dan Lawrence has finally got an opportunity in Test cricket after Zak Crawley was ruled out of the Test series against Sri Lanka due to a fracture on his little finger of the right hand.
It has been a long time coming for Dan Lawrence who played his last Test against Wes Indies more than two years ago. Although he has been in the Test squad consistently, the success of England's batting order and the continuity meant that Lawrence had to wait for his chances.
Finally, Dan Lawrence has the opportunity to prove that he belongs to this level. But the task for the 27-year-old won't be easy as he will be facing the new ball. Lawrence has mostly batted in the middle order for most of his career but has started to open against Sri Lanka.
Dan Lawrence opens up on his return to Test cricket
During a press conference, Dan Lawrence was asked about his much-awaited return to England's Test team. He accepted that he had been on the sidelines for two years but thanked the team management for the opportunity.
"I can't wait, obviously. I've been on the sidelines for a couple of years now, which has been frustrating at times. But all the batters have been in great order for two years. So, very thankful to get my opportunity and I can't wait to get going," Lawrence said.
"I've been on the sidelines for a couple of years now" 🏏
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Dan Lawrence reacts to being named in England's team for the first Test at Old Trafford 💬 p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->D<!---->z<!---->9<!---->8<!---->Q<!---->I<!---->Q<!---->m<!---->i<!---->z
Lawrence has never opened the batting in Test cricket so far. He usually bats in the middle order even for his domestic team in County cricket. But the right-hander has been given the opening spot for the upcoming series.
Dan Lawrence on his new batting spot
When asked about his new batting position, Lawrence replied that he would try to play his naturally aggressive brand of cricket. He further mentioned that opening the batting won't be much different from batting at No. 3 or No. 4.
"I think it's kind of the style of cricket that Baz (Brendon McCullum) and Stokesy (Ben Stokes) are generally after. My general way of going about it is trying to be quite aggressive. I think I fit the role more in that aspect," Lawrence stated.
"I did actually start my first-class career as an opener and then I gradually kind of moved up and down as I've gone along. I am only focusing on trying to really enjoy the week and it (opening the innings) shouldn't be too much different from batting at three or four," he added.
England schedule for the Test series against Sri Lanka
England will play a three-match Test series against Sri Lanka. The first Test of the series will be played from August 21-25 at Manchester and the second Test will be played from August 29-September 2. The last match will be held from September 6-10 at The Oval, London.
England will be without their regular Test captain Ben Stokes for this series after he was sidelined due to an injury. Ollie Pope will lead the team in his absence.
