Chance for new players to shine

England head into the first Test against Sri Lanka at Old Trafford starting today with several players given a chance to prove a point after captain Ben Stokes's series-ending injury.

• POPE TO LEAD ENGLAND OVER SRI LANKA

Star all-rounder Stokes is set to play no part at all in the threematch contest after tearing his hamstring during the Hundred.

And that means England will be without their inspirational leader for the first time since Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum launched the team's dynamic "Bazball" era two years ago.

Ollie Pope, the England vice-captain, will now skipper the side even though he has led county team Surrey in just one firstclass match.

England announced their team on Monday, with fast bowler Matthew Potts recalled as they opted for a five-man attack.