“I’ve batted in all positions and I think that’s probably helped my selection,” Denly told SkySports. “I started my career as an opening bat and moved down to No.3; I’ve batted at No.4 as well.

“I’ve really enjoyed the opportunity I’ve had with the ball this year; I’m very excited to get out there and see what type of wickets we may come up against,” he added.

“But I’m sure that we will be challenged against spin bowling and, hopefully, I can contribute with the ball as well as with the bat.”

The right-hand batsman admitted that he had been fearful that he wouldn’t get an opportunity to represent his country once again, saying: “I suppose I always held on to hoping that the opportunity hadn’t gone and thankfully it hasn’t,” Denly reflected.

Rory Burns, who also was one of the three uncapped players named in the Test squad besides Denly and Olly Stone, said he was “really delighted” to be part of England’s red-ball set-up.

Join us in congratulating our Club Captain, @RoryBurns17, on his debut @EnglandCricket call-up! 👏

💬⬇️ pic.twitter.com/lSvz8VlawU

— Surrey Cricket (@surreycricket) September 21, 2018

“There has been a bit of hearsay about me getting called up and I’ve had a lot of questions about it, so it was nice to get the call to put an end to that, stop worrying about it and just get on with my business,” said Burns, who, with 1319 runs at an average of 69.42, is the leading run-scorer in this year’s County Championship.

“I’ve never been to Sri Lanka before so that’ll be something new and I’m looking forward to getting going.”