POTTS THE STORY MORNING GLORY!

MATTHEW POTTS claims the fierce battle for fast bowling spots this winter is healthy and 'not a bitter one'.

- GARY FITZGERALD

The Durham pace bowler hopes to press forward in England's winter tour plans by capturing some of the wickettaking spotlight at The Oval.

He has seen Gus Atkinson shine with both ball and bat, while Chris Woakes has also impressed and Olly Stone returned with pace and success at Lord's.

And there will be huge decisions for the England selectors to make if Mark Wood proves he is fit to go on tour, and captain Ben Stokes demonstrates his ability to run in at full throttle again.

So the third and final Test against Sri Lanka, starting on Friday, offers further chances to those wishing to remain part of such an ambitious and driven team to prove their worth.

The battle to fill the boots of legends Stuart Broad and Jimmy Anderson has clearly acted as a catalyst for further success.