England's Woakes to replace Stokes in second Test against Sri Lanka

Durham, May 26 (IANS) All-rounder Chris Woakes is set to replace Ben Stokes in the England cricket squad for the second Test against Sri Lanka which starts from Friday at Chester-le-Street.

Captain Alastair Cook said Woakes, will bat at number eight, as Stokes will have to sit out the remainder of the three-Test series after undergoing a knee surgery a few days back.

"TEAM NEWS: Alastair Cook confirms @chriswoakes will bat at No.8 in Durham, with @jbairstow21 promoted to No.6," England Cricket tweeted on Thursday.

Gloveman Jonny Bairstow, who pocketed the man of the match award at Leeds for his 140 will be promoted to No.6 in the batting order with all-rounder Moeen Ali moving up to seven.

Twenty seven year old Woakes, has taken eight wickets at 63.75 and scored 129 runs at 21.50 in six Tests so far.

--IANS

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