OPEN FOR BUSINESS

Dan insists Bazball suits his style as he replaces Crawley at top of order

- RORY DOLLARD

DAN LAWRENCE is confident he "fits the mould" of an England Test opener in 2024, despite taking up the role just a handful of times in his first-class career.

It is nearly two-and-a-half years since Lawrence won the last of his 11 caps but he can add to his tally in tomorrow's series opener against Sri Lanka at Emirates Old Trafford.

Zak Crawley's fractured finger has opened up a vacancy at the top of the order.

And although Lawrence has headed up the innings just seven times in a decade of county cricket, England have backed him as Ben Duckett's partner.