England captain Alistair Cook announced on Thursday (26th May) that all-rounder Chris Woakes would replace the injured Ben Stokes for the second Test against Sri Lanka at Chester-Le-Street.

Chris Woakes will replace the injured Ben Stokes for England's second test against Sri Lanka.

Stokes injured his left knee at Headingley during the first test in which England won by an innings and 88 runs.

England captain Alistair Cook faced the press on Thursday and revealed how Woakes' inclusion will change the batting order.

SOUNDBITE (English) Alistair Cook, England captain (on the batting order):

"Chris Woakes is going to come in for Ben Stokes. He's going to bat at eight and then Jonny (Bairstow) and Mo (Moeen Ali) are going to push up (to) six and seven."

Jake Ball was also under consideration for the squad, but Woakes was given the nod ahead of the 24-year-old.

SOUNDBITE (English) Alistair Cook, England captain (on whether Jake Ball might have been called up instead of Chris Woakes):

"It was definitely brought up in conversation, but we enjoyed playing with the balance of the side. It gives Chris another opportunity as a player to play for England. I don't think we've quite seen the best of him yet in an England shirt. He's in fine form for Warwickshire. Nine wickets and a 100 in the last two weeks. Ben obviously balances our side well but, he like anyone could get injured, so we need the competition in that all-rounder place."
Woakes, who has six caps to date, has been in great form for Warwickshire for whom he recorded a career-best nine-wicket haul on Monday.