Dan Lawrence "ready" for Test debut, says Chris Silverwood

Essex batsman Lawrence first worked with Silverwood during the latter’s days as coach of the county’s second team, and he has watched the right-hander’s progression into England’s man-in-waiting

Dan Lawrence looks likely to make his England debut against Sri Lanka on Thursday, with head coach Chris Silverwood confident in the ability of the 23-year-old to make the step-up to the international stage.

Essex batsman Lawrence first worked with Silverwood during the latter’s days as coach of the county’s second team, and the national coach has watched the right-hander’s progression into England’s man-in-waiting.

Lawrence made an unbeaten 46 in an intra-squad practice match at Hambantota, batting alongside Joe Root, and seems a probable pick in England’s middle order, with Ollie Pope and Ben Stokes both absent, and Zak Crawley moving up to open in place of Rory Burns, who has remained at home ahead of the birth of his child.

“I think he’s ready,” Silverwood said. “I’ve known from Dan for a long time now, having coached Essex second team when he was coming through there as well.

“He’s a great character, he’s a fighter, his skills are there as well. Should he get the nod, we have every confidence that he’ll be successful.

“I think the one thing that Dan has always done – even from a young age, and it will stand him in good stead now – is that he does it his way.

“He doesn’t get flustered. He doesn’t worry about who the opposition. He gets on with it and does his job in his way. He loves scoring runs. Those are characteristics I saw in a very young man coming into the Essex second team.

“He shows the same characteristics now, which is great to see the consistency. His knowledge of the game and his knowledge of how he goes around applying his skills and how he adapts to different situations has got stronger and stronger.”

^{Moeen Ali will miss the first Test}

Lawrence could also prove useful with his part-time off-spin, should the surface at Galle demand additional spin options.

Silverwood officially ruled out Moeen Ali, who is still self-isolating after testing positive for Covid-19 upon arriving in Sri Lanka, leaving Jack Leach and Dom Bess as the two specialist spinners in England’s main 16-man squad.

That said, Silverwood added that England could dip into their reserve group, should the conditions point towards picking a third specialist spinner. Matt Parkinson, Mason Crane and Amar Virdi are all options, if Silverwood and Root feel that way inclined.

“They are all here, so they’re available,” Silverwood added. “We travel with such a large group so should any eventuality come up we have it covered.”

Chris Woakes is also doubtful for the first Test, given his limited preparations. He was forced to isolate after being deemed a close contact of Moeen. However, he has since joined up with the team.