Keaton Jennings, Jos Buttler and Matt Parkinson have been selected for the two-Test series against Sri Lanka next month. Three Lancashire players have been selected in a 16-man squad for the two-Test series against Sri Lanka starting at Galle on 19 March. Opener Keaton Jennings has earned a recall to the national side, with Jos Buttler and Matt Parkinson retaining their places from the recent series win over South Africa. Jennings returns to the England fold for the first time since the West Indies tour a year ago.
The left-hander will be looking to add to his 17 Test caps, which includes two centuries – both scored in the subcontinent – on debut in Mumbai in 2016 and a superb 146 not out against Sri Lanka at Galle in 2018.
Buttler featured in all four of the Tests against South Africa, while Parkinson will be hopeful of a maiden Test cap in traditionally spin-friendly conditions after being a part of both Test tours this winter. James Anderson, who is recovering from a cracked rib sustained in January during the second Test in Cape Town against South Africa, will continue to condition and prepare ahead of the start of the English season.
Commenting on the selection of the squad, National Selector Ed Smith, said: “The selection panel has supported continuity after a successful series victory in South Africa. “The South Africa tour marked the emergence of a very exciting group of young players, creating a nice balance with an experienced core of senior players.
That squad is mostly retained, with some tweaks to the squad relevant to injury, rest and the challenges of playing in sub-continent conditions. “Jimmy Anderson will continue to work with Lancashire and the ECB so that he is ready for the start of the County Championship season leading into the Test series against the West Indies in June.” The two-match Test series forms part of the ICC World Test Championship. Joe Root’s team currently stand in third place and will be looking to close in on India and Australia, who are currently leading the standings. The top two teams at the end of the two-year cycle will compete in the ICC World Test Championship Final in England in June 2021.
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