England vs Sri Lanka: Ollie Pope says hosts are still Ben Stokes’ team despite injury

In addition to all-rounder Stokes, England is also missing opener Zak Crawley, who broken a finger on the final day of the 3-0 series win over West Indies last month.

In their absence, Dan Lawrence will open the batting and Matthew Potts has been named as an additional seamer. Harry Brook takes over as vice-captain to Pope.

England’s last test at Old Trafford against Australia last summer was destroyed by rain, That ends the home team’s chances of reclaiming the Ashes. Predictions for Sri Lanka’s first Test in this country in eight years are mixed this week.

“I haven’t been paying too much attention to the weather because if it rains, it rains. But it’s not necessarily going to change the way we do things,” Pope said.

“A 3-0 win is always the target. If we can continue to play our best cricket like we have been doing, then hopefully in three or four weeks we can look back and that will be the bottom line.

“They have watched us and seen how we played in the West Indies and they will be ready to throw some punches themselves. If we can play our best cricket, hopefully we can win 3-0.”

Sri Lanka, which has former England batsman Ian Bell in its coaching staff, gives seamer Milan Rathnayake his Test debut.

And tourists captain Dhananjaya de Silva said his team “perhaps” had a better chance of success due to Stokes’ absence.

“He is the key player for them,” said De Silva. “We have a good chance.”

“It’s been a long time since we last played here, but we have experienced players. I know the conditions and have an idea of ​​what we have to do.

“We are aiming for a win and that’s the only thing I’m thinking about.”

Before the first day’s play, there will be a tribute to former England batsman Graham Thorpe, who died earlier this month at the age of 55.

A video will be played on the screens in the stadium and there will be a short applause.