England have named an unchanged XI for this week’s second Test against Sri Lanka.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Ben Foakes, who scored a century on debut in the series opener, has been retained and the fit-again Jonny Bairstow has not been recalled.

All-rounder Ben Stokes, meanwhile, will bat at No 3 in the order. Fellow all-rounder Moeen Ali filled the role in the first Test, but fell for a duck and three.

‘Ben’s game is in good shape and he is more than capable of batting at No 3,’ said captain Joe Root.

‘We are in a fortunate position that many in the side could bat in that position. Ben’s technique is sound and he will be able to adapt to this role. He is one of the fittest guys in the side, so the intensity of batting in the top order and bowling as one of our three seamers will not faze him.

‘If we feel that he has done a tremendous workload with the ball, then we can adapt and alter the order if it’s necessary, but I don’t expect that to happen. Ben is relishing the added responsibility of doing the job.’

England lead the three-match series, after a 211-run victory in Galle. Kandy will host the second Test and Colombo the third.

Photo: Stu Forster/Getty Images