Stone, 30, has been dogged by injuries since he made his Test debut in 2019. This will be only his fourth cap in five years, all against different opponents.

Overall, the Nottinghamshire man has had four stress fractures in his back, leading him to a career-saving operation to insert two screws in his spine. On Tuesday he revealed the role pilates has played in his return to full fitness.

While not possessing the lightning pace of Wood, Stone is still capable of bowling at 90mph.

“He’s feeling really good about his body and his bowling,” said Pope. “He’s such an exciting bowler, someone who has really impressed when he’s pulled the Test shirt on before so hopefully he can really excel now.

“He’s going to love every bit of being out here this week, being back playing Test cricket. be ready to go and very excited.”

Sri Lanka have made two changes to the side beaten in Manchester.

Batter Pathum Nissanka will play his first Test in two years in place of Kusal Mendis, while Lahiru Kumara, a bowler of genuine pace, replaces left-armer Vishwa Fernando.

Dinesh Chandimal, who was struck on the thumb by Mark Wood in the first Test, may not keep with wicket, with the gloves passed to Nishan Madushka.

“We gave a good fight in the first Test, but that’s not enough,” said captain Dhananjaya de Silva. “We have to be more accurate with our plans.

“I was confident before Old Trafford, but we couldn’t deliver our best.”