Uncapped batsmen Rory Burns and Joe Denly have been named in England‘s Test squad to tour Sri Lanka, alongside rookie paceman Olly Stone who received his first international call-up earlier this week for the preceding one-day series.
Alastair Cook’s retirement after 161 Tests left Ed Smith’s selection panel with a top-order conundrum which has been solved by a long-awaited summons for Surrey captain Burns and an international return for 32-year-old Denly.
Unlike Burns, the Kent veteran has played white-ball international cricket before but has not been seen at the highest level since a Twenty20 in Dubai in February 2010.
Keaton Jennings, Cook’s last opening partner, retains his place in a 16-man squad despite a poor summer and senior seamers James Anderson and Stuart Broad will both travel, scotching suggestions one or both could be rested for the three-match series.
Warwickshire seamer Stone, having already earned his place in the 50-over squad, continues his rapid ascent by taking his place alongside the established duo.
There were suggestions Anderson and Broad would be rested.
