England Name 16-Man Squad for Sri Lanka Tests, Rory Burns Earns Maiden Call-up

The England selectors have named a 16-man squad for the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka. Surrey’s opening batsman Rory Burns has received his maiden call-up to the team along with Joe Denly and Warwickshire seamer, Olly Stone. However, the remaining two have been called up for the first time in Tests as well.

Meanwhile, Burns had captained Surrey to a Championship Division One title this season. He had also been the leading run-scorer in the championship scoring 1319 runs at an exceptional average of 69.

However, Denly returns to the England set-up after eight years. He earned his maiden call-up in the limited-overs side back in 2010 and went onto play nine ODI’s and 5 T20I’s.

Squad for the Sri Lanka Tests 

Joe Root (Yorkshire) captain
Moeen Ali (Worcestershire)
James Anderson (Lancashire)
Jonny Bairstow (Yorkshire) wk
Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire)
Rory Burns (Surrey)
Jos Buttler (Lancashire)
Sam Curran (Surrey)
Joe Denly (Kent)
Keaton Jennings (Lancashire)
Jack Leach (Somerset)
Ollie Pope (Surrey)
Adil Rashid (Yorkshire)
Ben Stokes (Durham)
Olly Stone (Warwickshire)
Chris Woakes (Warwickshire)

However, out of form England opener, Keaton Jennings has retained his place in the squad for Sri Lanka Tests. ALong with him, the under-fire all-rounder, Ben Stokes’ name has also been mentioned.

James Anderson, who became the most successful fast bowler in cricket finds his name on the sheet as well. Stuart Broad, Adil Rashid and all-rounder Chris Woakes also got included. Olly Stone was also named in the squad for the first time earlier this week. He was in excellent form for Surrey in the County Championship Division 2.

“Joe Denly has had an excellent season with bat and ball and has matured into one of the leading players in county cricket. He has that all-round touch of class that can help at the highest level.

“Olly Stone is an exciting talent who bowls with pace and skill. His 37 wickets in the county championship have come at an average of 12.27 and a strike rate of 22.22.

“Rory Burns, who has led Surrey to the Championship title, has been the most consistent run-scorer in county cricket in recent seasons and fully deserves his elevation to the Test squad. Rory is the leading championship run-scorer this season with 1319 at an average of 69.”