Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali, Sri Lanka vs England 2018
Moeen Ali, Ben Stokes to alter batting positions in second Test against Sri Lanka. Image Courtesy: Getty

England has named an unchanged XI for the second Test against Sri Lanka starting at Pallekele on November 14 (Wednesday). Meanwhile, a couple of star all-rounders, Ben Stokes and Moeen Ali would get to alter their batting positions, as per recent reports.

However, the England team is leading the three-match Test series 1-0.

Previously, they won the five-match ODI series 3-1 and will play the second Test on Wednesday. However, Ben Stokes is expected to bat at number three while incumbent Moeen Ali will drop down to number six.

Moreover, the wicket-keeper batsman, Jonny Bairstow hurt his ankle while playing football in a training session and missed the last two games of the ODI series. He also got ruled out of the first Test match due to his injury, however, is now fit to play and was available for selection.

Jonny Bairstow, Sri Lanka vs England
Jonny Bairstow. Getty Images

Meanwhile, Ben Stokes was competing with Jos Buttler for the promotion in the order. The all-rounder could now have a chance to lock down the problem position for the future, with previous Moeen Ali failing to do so. Stokes came in at five in both essays of the first Test match. Bayliss, though, believes he has the technique well suited to a more prominent position.

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Furthermore, Stokes has batted in every position from three to eleven, and Moeen has ticked all the spots between one and nine. There is no spot for Bairstow, as Ben Foakes will continue with his glovework. He had made an exciting debut scoring his maiden hundred in his first Test match.

Moeen Ali, Ben Stokes, Sri Lanka vs England 2018
England cricket team. Image Courtesy: Getty

However, the number one wicketkeeper from England Bairstow had stepped up after his recovery from an ankle injury with a full session on Tuesday. He is now fit to play and is available for selection, but the management team has decided to give him another week.

“BREAKING: England announce unchanged XI for the 2nd Test #SLvEng – Ben Stokes will bat at three. – Jonny Bairstow is fit to play and was available for selection. – Moeen Ali expected to bat at six.”