David Bumble Lloyd insists Moeen Ali is Englands ideal number three in Sri Lanka
David Lloyd has backed Moeen Ali to retain his place at number three in Englands batting order for the second Test against Sri Lanka.
Moeen may drop down the order in Kandy next week after only contributing three runs in the opening match in Galle.
Jonny Bairstow, who has been sidelined with an ankle injury, is expected to return to the side and could move up the order.
But Bumble believes Moeen is Englands ideal number three in Sri Lanka and has backed the 31-year-old to register a big score in the series.
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I still think Moeen Ali is the ideal No 3 in these conditions but it hasnt happened for him in this Test, he told the Daily Mail.
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Its what you get from him at times but I believe he has the ability to get a big score in this series and change the course of a game.
Thats the type of player he is. I wouldnt change his position in Kandy.
Bumble also reckons England have good reason to feel confident that new opener Rory Burns can perform on the international stage.
Burns enjoyed a fine summer for Surrey, scoring over 1,000 County Championship runs and captaining the team to the Division One title.
Despite being dismissed cheaply twice in Galle, Lloyd added: First time Ive seen Rory Burns and I think, even though he looks unorthodox, he gets in brilliant positions.
It was all going well for him until he punched it to mid-on and called for a single. It always looked high risk. There was no need.
It was understandable for a lad on debut but he has to take the risk out of it. I reckon he will sort it out and come through.
Keaton Jennings second Test century put England in a commanding position in the opening Test, with Sri Lanka requiring a record 462 to secure an unlikely victory.
The home side reached 14-0 by the close of play on day three.
Its been a very special day for myself personally, but were also in a great position, hopefully we can go on to win the Test now, Jennings said.
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