The selectors' attitude is, quite understandably, that they want to give the younger players the opportunity and experience. ``We know what Steve James and Dougie Brown can do, but not so much about David Sales, for instance,'' said coach Mike Gatting.

Both senior players can count themselves unlucky, and clearly the strongest side has not been picked. In contrast, Sri Lanka have included five Test players in an attempt to level the series, including the out-of-form Hashan Tillekeratne, who is captain.

Powell, the Essex off-spinner and veteran of one first-class appearance, makes his second, being joined by England Under-19 team-mate, Owais Shah, who is likely to bat at three. Darren Maddy is set to revert to his normal position as opener.

Chris Read returns as wicketkeeper but with him at No 8 the tail is dangerously long. The other change sees Jimmy Ormond come in for Paul Hutchison. Andrew Flintoff's sore back meant he was not considered.

England A (from): *N V Knight, D L Maddy, O A Shah, M A Ealham, D J Sales, B C Hollioake, A F Giles, - C M W Read, J Ormond, D A Cosker, J C Powell, S P James.