Woakes replaces injured Stokes for second Test against Lanka

England skipper Alastair Cook has confirmed that all-rounder Chris Woakes will replace injured Ben Stokes for the second Test of the three-match series against Sri Lanka, which is to be held from Friday at Riverside Ground.

Stokes failed to substantially recover from the injury sustained during the second day of the opening Test at Headingley. He was forced to spend the majority of the second innings off the field having treatment.

Woakes will come at number eight while wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow and spinner Moeen Ali have moved up to number six and number seven in the batting line-up respectively, the Guardian reported.

Reflecting on Woakes' inclusion, Cook said that the upcoming Test would give the Warwickshire all-rounder another opportunity to play for England and prove himself, the Guardian reported.

While talking about Stokes' dismissal, the opener said it is a great loss for the side as he has got the ability to win and change games for the team.

This will be the first Test that Stokes has missed since being recalled against West Indies early last year.

England are currently leading the three-match series 1-0 after defeating Sri Lanka by an innings and 88 runs inside three days in the first Test in Leeds.