Broad, Bairstow to Play Third Test Against Sri Lanka

Dubai [UAE], Nov 21 (ANI): England men's team on Wednesday called pacer Stuart Broad and wicket-keeper batsman Jonny Bairstow to feature in their team's third-Test match against Sri Lanka.

At the expense of pacers Jimmy Anderson and Sam Curran, Broad will get his first airing of the tour, while Bairstow, who injured his ankle during a football exercise in a pre-series training session, will get an opportunity to prove his credentials at number three with all-rounder Ben Stokes.

Confirming that he will be rested, Anderson said: "I understand the reasoning behind it with the series already won. With the winter we've got ahead, it makes sense for Stuart to get some cricket. He's not played for a while and it's going to be a tough tour of the West Indies," according to the International Cricket Council (ICC).

"It's a good opportunity for him (Broad) and the team (England). You have to look at the situation as well. It is hard work for seamers here (Colombo) and it's not like I've been able to have a huge input on the games."

On the other hand, Sri Lanka have called up all-rounder Danushka Gunathilaka while uncapped batsman Charith Asalanka will miss out.

Earlier, Sri-Lanka had replaced all-rounder Akila Dananjaya, who is undergoing bowling action tests, with uncapped off-spinner Nishan Peiris.

Meanwhile, in the absence of their skipper Dinesh Chandimal, who has failed to recover from an injury, Suranga Lakmal will continue to lead his side.

England have already won the three-Tests match series, with their victory in the second match giving them a 2-0 lead. Both the sides are slated to play their third and final Test match at Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo, starting from November 23. (ANI)

(The above story is verified and authored by ANI staff, ANI is South Asia's leading multimedia news agency with over 100 bureaus in India, South Asia and across the globe. ANI brings the latest news on Politics and Current Affairs in India & around the World, Sports, Health, Fitness, Entertainment, & News. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)