England have named an unchanged side for the second Test against Sri Lanka in Kandy, but the team have confirmed Ben Stokes is likely to move up the batting order to no.3.

Stokes will become the fourth different batsman to play in the position this year alone as Moeen Ali drops down to no.6.

James Vince, Joe Root and Moeen Ali have all been unable to nullify an increasingly problematic area for selectors to deal with, and Stokes has now been trusted to make 3 the magic number. Find a magic addition to your cricket your with the range available at Talent Cricket.

The Durham all-rounder made scores of 7 and 62 as England defeated hosts Sri Lanka by 211 runs in the first Test in Galle.

Heading to the inland city of Kandy hoping to seal the series, England have retained the services of wicketkeeper Ben Foakes following his hundred on debut and will press home with a three-pronged spin attack consisting of Moeen Ali, Adil Rashid and Jack Leach.

Sri Lankan cricket is currently clouded in gloom after a year that has offered little in the way of celebration on the pitch, while off it former player Dilhara Lokuhettige was charged on Tuesday under the ICC’s anti-corruption code relating to a match in the 10-over league in the UAE last year.

This follows the retirement of veteran spinner Rangana Herath who was one of the senior members within the Sri Lanka dressing room.