Sri Lanka v England, first Test: All you need to know

The Cricketer provides all the information you need ahead of the first Test between Sri Lanka and England

What is it?

The first Test in a two-match series between Sri Lanka and England.

When is it?

The first Test begins on January 14, with the second game starting on January 22. Both Tests begin at 4.30am (GMT).

Where is it?

Both matches will be played in Galle.

Who is involved?

This series was initially meant to take place last year before the coronavirus outbreak struck, with England then returning home after calling off a warmup match.

They have returned to begin their winter Test schedule, which also features four games in India, and are serving their quarantine period in Hambantota, ahead of the move to Galle for the series.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka have returned from South Africa, where they played two Tests against Quinton de Kock’s side.

England are without Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer, both of whom are rested, while Rory Burns has remained at home for the birth of his child.

Ollie Pope is in Sri Lanka to continue his rehabilitation after shoulder surgery and made an unbeaten half century in an intra-squad warmup game, but he is not part of the official group. England have named a 16-man squad, with a list of seven reserves.

^{Joe Root's side are back in Sri Lanka 12 months on from their aborted tour}

Sri Lanka hope to have Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal and Suranga Lakmal fit for the start of the series, according to captain Dimuth Karunaratne. This would give a boost to the hosts, who suffered several injuries against the Proteas.

Moeen Ali was the only England player to test positive for coronavirus on arrival in Sri Lanka, so he is a doubt for the first Test, having since been placed in isolation. Chris Woakes was deemed a close contact of Moeen, and so has also been isolating.

Sri Lanka squad: Dimuth Karunaratne (c), Minod Bhanuka, Lahiru Thirimanne, Kusal Perera, Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Oshada Fernando, Dhananjaya De Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Lasith Embuldeniya, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dilruwan Perera, Suranga Lakmal, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Dushmantha Chameera, Dasun Shanaka, Santhush Gunathilake

England squad: Joe Root (c), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jonathan Bairstow, Dom Bess, Stuart Broad, Jos Buttler, Zak Crawley, Sam Curran, Ben Foakes, Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Dom Sibley, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood

Reserves: James Bracey, Mason Crane, Saqib Mahmood, Craig Overton, Matthew Parkinson, Ollie Robinson, Amar Virdi

Where can I follow it?

Sky Sports have the rights for both Tests and will show them via Sky Sports Main Event (Sky 401, Virgin 501) and Sky Sports Cricket (Sky 404, Virgin 504).

BBC Radio Five Live's sister station Sports Extra, accessible through the BBC Sport website and app or BBC Sounds, will have ball-by-ball coverage of both Tests in Galle.

Sri Lanka's YouTube channel will be showing the series for home fans. Channel Eye will be providing coverage on TV. Mobile streaming can be accessed via Dialog.

Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation will supply radio commentary of the Tests.

In South Africa, the Supersport network will show every ball of the series.

Followers in India can watch via Sony Ten 2. Willow TV, meanwhile, is the place to go for fans based in the United States.

What’s the weather going to be like?

The long-term forecast for the first day of the Test is promising, although rain is predicted through the early parts of the week.