Chris Tremlett: Sri Lanka Test series can be fresh start as England look to replicate one-day side’s success
England have one more warm-up game before they begin their Test series against Sri Lanka and I hope they can build on the success of the one-day side and use it as a fresh start.
With Alastair Cook retired, Jonny Bairstow fighting for fitness after injury and conditions making it necessary to change tactics, the series has plenty of factors for England to consider.
It’s an exciting time, with new players to accommodate and positions up for grabs as Joe Root’s side look to show they can perform in the subcontinent, as well as at home.
Pressure
Cook’s departure is a big change for England and the two likely openers face different challenges.
Keaton Jennings is under a lot of pressure. I think he’s fortunate to even be in the side following a difficult summer, but he’s got to have a nothing to lose attitude.
The left-hander should play with freedom. He’s showed before he can play spin well, scoring a century on Test debut in India two years ago, so he must back himself and play his natural game.
If he under-performs he knows Joe Denly could move up to open when Bairstow returns.
Rory Burns, meanwhile, will be making his debut in testing conditions, but he has all the attributes to succeed.
From a team point of view, it will take some getting used to not having Cook around, being a rock at the top of the order and at first slip, but it can’t be a distraction.
Opportunity
It’s unfortunate for Bairstow that he’s not able to play the first game, but equally it offers an opportunity for Denly to come in.
He ticks a lot of boxes. Denly’s leg-spin is more than just a part-time option – it was one of the reasons he was picked in the first place and he showed why with 4-19 in the one-off Twenty20.
Spin in Sri Lanka is absolutely key, with seamers there almost to just take the shine off the new ball, so Denly’s bowling bolsters his chances of playing.
It makes sense to play him. Before last week’s T20 he hadn’t played for England in nine years, but at this stage in his career the 32-year-old has a good understanding of his game and is ready to prove a point.
I’d say he’s almost a definite pick, probably batting at No3 because Root prefers No4.
Luxury
Buttler is set to keep wicket in Bairstow’s absence and it’s nice luxury to have: he keeps in one-day internationals and has done so before in Tests. It’s nothing to worry about.
Conditions in Sri Lanka are different – spin will be the bulk of the bowling he’ll deal with, and it will become more difficult later in the Test as it starts to turn more, but he should be acclimatised by now.
Even if Buttler struggles England have a wealth of options, with Surrey’s Ben Foakes called up and Ollie Pope also capable behind the stumps.
Tactics
If they are planning to open with Stuart Broad and Jimmy Anderson, as usual, and then bowl 70 overs of spin there’s not a lot of point in playing both.
I think they would be better off playing a strike-bowler like Olly Stone, who can come on and bowl short, quick and aggressive spells as a wicket-taking option.
It will depend on conditions and their method. Root has spoken of “finding a new formula” so there’s no reason to pick Broad solely on his previous achievements.
If Broad does get dropped – as has been suggested – I don’t think he’ll take it to heart. It would make sense if they want to play three spinners and alter their tactics.
Continuity
Even though Sri Lanka are a growing side with a lot of young and inexperienced players it will be a difficult series.
A lot will depend on how the new players fare. If they can play with confidence and cement a place then not only will they stand a good chance in Sri Lanka, then they can build for the future.
At the moment there are so many gaps, with chopping and changing becoming the norm, so we need continuity.
If they can deal with all Sri Lanka throws at them, they could start at upward curve just like the one-day side.