James Anderson replaces Stuart Broad for series-deciding 2nd Test against Sri Lanka

England have made just one change in their Playing XI for the upcoming second and final Test against Sri Lanka that gets underway at Galle on Friday. They have decided to make a change in the pace bowling line-up by fielding veteran pacer James Anderson and resting his new-ball partner Stuart Broad. 

Broad was one of the star performers in the first Test with figures of  3-20 in the first innings as the Lankans were bundled out for just 135. In the end, the visitors registered a comfortable win by seven wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

Here's England's Playing XI for the second Test against Sri Lanka:

Dominic Sibley 
Zak Crawley
Jonathan Bairstow 
Joe Root (captain)
Dan Lawrence 
Jos Buttler (wicketkeeper)
Sam Curran
Dominic Bess
Jack Leach 
Mark Wood
James Anderson

READ: Ajinkya Rahane Gets A Heroic Welcome As He Returns Home After Historic Win Vs Australia

England look to seal the series

Joe Root & Co. will be looking to leave the Emerald Island with a Test series win before their all-important tour of India where they will be competing in a four-match Test series starting February 5. In Broad's absence, the onus will be on Jimmy Anderson to provide breakthroughs for his side at regular intervals.

READ: IPL 2021: Does Harry Kane Want To Play For RCB? Spurs Star Jokes About Not Being Selected

At the same time, this will also be Jimmy's first Test match after he had registered his 600th scalp in the game's longest format. The 38-year-old had achieved this feat against Pakistan in Southampton in September last year when he bamboozled former skipper Azhar Ali.

Sri Lanka on the other hand will be hoping to salvage pride by winning this contest and ensuring that the series ends in a stalemate as this is a must-win game for the hosts. 

READ: Lasith Malinga Lauded By Rohit & Harbhajan For His Invaluable Contributions To Mumbai