England v Sri Lanka: Chris Woakes replaces Ben Stokes for second Test

7 hours ago
Source: FOX SPORTS

ENGLAND all-rounder Ben Stokes will miss the second Test against Sri Lanka at his home ground starting Friday with a left knee injury.

The England and Wales Cricket Board ruled Stokes out on Monday and said he will see a consultant to decide on his recovery and whether he will be able to play in the third test at Lord’s, which starts June 9.
Stokes was replaced in England’s squad for the second Test at Chester-le-Street by Chris Woakes.
Woakes, also an all-rounder, will vie with uncapped seam bowler Jake Ball for Stokes’ place.
Stokes had a scan on Sunday and will see specialists on Tuesday to verify the extent of his injury. The ECB did not specify what the exact problem was.
Stokes jarred his knee on the second day of the first Test at Headingley and, after trying to play through the pain, wasn’t able to bowl in Sri Lanka’s second innings. England won by an innings and 88 runs inside three days.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, called wicketkeeper-batsman Kusal Perera back into its squad ahead of the second Test after doping charges against him were dropped by the International Cricket Council this month.
A doping laboratory in Qatar withdrew two positive tests for steroids against Perera, who had been suspended since December.
He was cleared to play again and Sri Lanka Cricket said Perera will join the squad in England as soon as possible.
Watch the second Test between England and Sri Lanka LIVE and EXCLUSIVE on Fox Sports, starting with red button coverage from 8pm Friday (AEST).