England wicketkeeper-batsman Jonny Bairstow is set to return for the second Test against Sri Lanka after sustaining an ankle injury that rules him out of the series opener.
The 29-year-old, who picked up an ankle ligament injury while playing football in a training session, was back in the nets on Friday, 2 November.
Lower-order batsman Jos Buttler is likely to take the gloves for the first Test, which starts at the Galle International Stadium on Tuesday, 6 November.
Buttler and Ben Foakes handled England’s glovework in their final tour match against Sri Lanka Board Presidents XI, which ended in a draw on Friday. The visitors posted 210/6-declared in the first innings, though two players were retired out.
Keaton Jennings and Ben Stokes scored 45 and 53 runs respectively before retiring, but the latter, who batted at No.5, left the field after sustaining a blow to his elbow. Sam Curran (48*) and Ben Foakes (19*) were still going strong when the declaration came.
England then claimed seven wickets in the second innings as the hosts ended the game at 200/7 (two players retired out).
Stuart Broad, Curran, Olly Stone and left-arm orthodox bowler Jack Leach picked up one wicket each. Denly, Stokes and Moeen Ali remained wicket-less on the day, and while England’s leader of the attack James Anderson did not roll his arm over, he was involved in a run out.
