Dawson, who was selected as one of three specialist spinners in the first two matches in Dambulla, has flown home with a side strain, and his replacement Joe Denly – who offers a leg-spin option – will only arrive in Sri Lanka a few hours before the game.

That leaves a spot open for one of Mark Wood, Tom or Sam Curran to come in as a third seamer, with the elder Curran currently favourite for the role. It means a return to the more familiar team and bowling-attack balance that has been so successful in recent times – at least for this game. Eoin Morgan can also call upon Ben Stokes and Joe Root.

[breakout id=”0″][/breakout]

Liam Plunkett will join the squad ahead of the fourth match following his wedding, adding even more depth to England’s bulging bowling stocks.