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England gave a Test debut to Lancashire fast bowler Sajid Mahmood at Lord’s here on Thursday in the opening match of their three-Test series against Sri Lanka.

Sajid, 24, a cousin of rising British boxing star Amir Khan, came into the team following injuries to fellow fast bowlers Stephen Harmison (shin), Simon Jones (knee) and Lancashire teammate James Anderson (back).

All-rounder Andrew Flintoff, who led England to a 1-1 Test series draw in India earlier this year, continued to captain the team in the ongoing absence of Michael Vaughan with a knee injury.

From their squad of 13, England omitted uncapped pace bowler Jon Lewis and Ian Bell with Alastair Cook batting at number three following the return of left-handed opener Marcus Trescothick to the side after the Somerset batsman came home early from India for personal reasons.

Cook, fast bowler Liam Plunkett and spinner Monty Panesar were all making their home Test debuts in a youthful side here only Trescothick was aged over 30.

Source:The News