Ahead of the start of the three-match Test series opener versus Sri Lanka, at Old Trafford, Manchester, Ollie Pope-led&nbsp;England will pay tribute to former batter Graham Thorpe, who passed away&nbsp;early&nbsp;this&nbsp;month. Before the national anthems&nbsp;on Day 1 of the first Test, on Wednesday (Aug 21), England players will remember the celebrated cricketer and&nbsp;a&nbsp;tribute video will also be played on the big screen at the iconic&nbsp;ground.

Notably, Thorpe -- who represented England in 100 Tests and 82 ODIs and ended with&nbsp;6,744 and 2,380 runs respectively -- committed suicide on Aug&nbsp;4 after battling 'major depression and anxiety'. His widow Amanda confirmed that the former English cricketer took his&nbsp;life -- succumbing to injuries sustained after being struck by a train in Surrey --&nbsp;despite his close ones&nbsp;helping him battle mental health issues.

Prior to the Manchester Test versus the Lankans, stand-in captain Pope said, "We'll have our black armbands on throughout the game and there'll be a tribute to him before. It has hurt a lot of people in that changing room. He was a great man. I probably had two or three years playing with him as a batting coach. I really admired him."

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/england-vs-sri-lanka-1st-test-live-streaming-when-and-where-to-watch-eng-vs-sl-series-opener-751646">England vs Sri Lanka, 1st Test Live Streaming: When and Where to watch Eng vs SL series opener</a>

He further added, "I remember him saying one thing to me, which was: 'Never let the runs you're scoring define you as a person'.&nbsp;In a bit of a rut when you're young, that was exactly what I needed to hear. It shows, for me, what a people's person he was.

"He was loved in the changing room. He's such a sad loss to everyone: to the country, his family, and the boys as well. He's missed, and we'll honour him this week."

Pope is leading England in the three home Tests versus Sri Lanka after regular Test captain Ben Stokes got injured during The Hundred. England have already named their playing XI for the Manchester opener.

England playing XI for first Test vs Sri Lanka:&nbsp;Dan Lawrence, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope (c), Joe Root, Harry Brook (vc), Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Matthew Potts, Mark Wood, Shoaib Bashir.

Ahead of the start of the three-match Test series opener versus Sri Lanka, at Old Trafford, Manchester, Ollie Pope-led England will pay tribute to former batter Graham Thorpe, who passed away early this month.

Ahead of the start of the three-match Test series opener versus Sri Lanka, at Old Trafford, Manchester, Ollie Pope-led England will pay tribute to former batter Graham Thorpe, who passed away early this month. Before the national anthems on Day 1 of the first Test, on Wednesday (Aug 21), England players will remember the celebrated cricketer and a tribute video will also be played on the big screen at the iconic ground. Notably, Thorpe -- who represented England in 100 Tests and 82 ODIs and ended with 6,744 and 2,380 runs respectively -- committed suicide on Aug 4 after battling 'major depression and anxiety'. His widow Amanda confirmed that the former English cricketer took his life -- succumbing to injuries sustained after being struck by a train in Surrey -- despite his close ones helping him battle mental health issues. Prior to the Manchester Test versus the Lankans, stand-in captain Pope said, "We'll have our black armbands on throughout the game and there'll be a tribute to him before. It has hurt a lot of people in that changing room. He was a great man. I probably had two or three years playing with him as a batting coach. I really admired him." Also read: England vs Sri Lanka, 1st Test Live Streaming: When and Where to watch Eng vs SL series opener He further added, "I remember him saying one thing to me, which was: 'Never let the runs you're scoring define you as a person'. In a bit of a rut when you're young, that was exactly what I needed to hear. It shows, for me, what a people's person he was. "He was loved in the changing room. He's such a sad loss to everyone: to the country, his family, and the boys as well. He's missed, and we'll honour him this week." Pope is leading England in the three home Tests versus Sri Lanka after regular Test captain Ben Stokes got injured during The Hundred. England have already named their playing XI for the Manchester opener. England playing XI for first Test vs Sri Lanka: Dan Lawrence, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope (c), Joe Root, Harry Brook (vc), Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Matthew Potts, Mark Wood, Shoaib Bashir.

Eng vs SL, 1st Test: England to pay fitting tribute to late Graham Thorpe ahead of series opener

England will commence their three-match home Test series versus Sri Lanka on Wednesday (Aug 21). Ahead of the remaining three Tests of their home season, England's Test captain Ben Stokes got injured during The Hundred. Thus, Ollie Pope will spearhead the line-up against a new-look Sri Lankan side that will be led by Dhananjaya de Silva. Sri Lanka is coming into this tour on the back of an impressive run versus India at home, beating them in an ODI series (2-0) for the first time since 1997.

The first Test will be held at Old Trafford, Manchester before the action moves to the second and penultimate contest, at the Lord's Cricket Ground, London. The third and final Test will be held at the Kennington Oval, London. In the 2023-25 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) points table, Sri Lanka are in the fourth spot whereas England occupy the seventh position.

The last time Sri Lanka won a Test series on English soil was in 2014 (1-0). It was also their last series triumph over England in the red-ball format. Will they be able to replicate their feat 10 years later? Only time will tell...

<h2>Live Streaming Details For England Vs Sri Lanka, 1st&nbsp;Test Match</h2>

When to watch the England vs Sri Lanka 1st Test match?

The England vs Sri Lanka 1st Test will be held at the Old Trafford, Manchester, from August 21–25.

At what time will the England vs Sri Lanka 1st&nbsp;Test kickoff?

The England vs Sri Lanka 1st Test&nbsp;will commence at 3:30 pm&nbsp;IST.

Where to watch England vs Sri Lanka 1st Test match in India on TV?

The live telecast details for England vs Sri Lanka 1st Test will be available on Sony Sports Network.

Where to watch England vs Sri Lanka 1st&nbsp;Test match live streaming in India?

The live streaming of the England vs Sri Lanka series opener&nbsp;will be available on&nbsp;Sony Liv app and website in India.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/eng-vs-sl-1st-test-sanath-jayasuriya-plays-down-bazball-hype-says-it-is-just-media-publicity-751570">Eng vs SL, 1st Test: Sanath Jayasuriya plays down 'Bazball' hype, says it is just 'media publicity'</a>

England squad:&nbsp;Daniel Lawrence, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope(c), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith(w), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Matthew Potts, Mark Wood, Shoaib Bashir, Jordan Cox, Olly Stone.&nbsp;

Prior to the series opener, the home side have also announced their playing XI for the Manchester Test.

Eng playing XI for 1st Test:&nbsp;Dan Lawrence, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope (c), Joe Root, Harry Brook (vc), Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Matthew Potts, Mark Wood, Shoaib Bashir.

Sri Lanka squad:&nbsp;Dhananjaya De Silva (c), Kusal Mendis (vc), Dimuth Karunaratne, Nishan Madushka, Pathum Nissanka, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara, Nisala Tharaka, Prabath Jayasuriya, Ramesh Mendis, Jeffrey Vandersay, Milan Rathnayake.&nbsp;

England will commence their three-match home Test series versus Sri Lanka on Wednesday (Aug 21). Ahead of the remaining three Tests of their home season, England's Test captain Ben Stokes got injured during The Hundred.

England will commence their three-match home Test series versus Sri Lanka on Wednesday (Aug 21). Ahead of the remaining three Tests of their home season, England's Test captain Ben Stokes got injured during The Hundred. Thus, Ollie Pope will spearhead the line-up against a new-look Sri Lankan side that will be led by Dhananjaya de Silva. Sri Lanka is coming into this tour on the back of an impressive run versus India at home, beating them in an ODI series (2-0) for the first time since 1997. The first Test will be held at Old Trafford, Manchester before the action moves to the second and penultimate contest, at the Lord's Cricket Ground, London. The third and final Test will be held at the Kennington Oval, London. In the 2023-25 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) points table, Sri Lanka are in the fourth spot whereas England occupy the seventh position. The last time Sri Lanka won a Test series on English soil was in 2014 (1-0). It was also their last series triumph over England in the red-ball format. Will they be able to replicate their feat 10 years later? Only time will tell... Live Streaming Details For England Vs Sri Lanka, 1st Test Match When to watch the England vs Sri Lanka 1st Test match? The England vs Sri Lanka 1st Test will be held at the Old Trafford, Manchester, from August 21–25. At what time will the England vs Sri Lanka 1st Test kickoff? The England vs Sri Lanka 1st Test will commence at 3:30 pm IST. Where to watch England vs Sri Lanka 1st Test match in India on TV? The live telecast details for England vs Sri Lanka 1st Test will be available on Sony Sports Network. Where to watch England vs Sri Lanka 1st Test match live streaming in India? The live streaming of the England vs Sri Lanka series opener will be available on Sony Liv app and website in India. Also Read: Eng vs SL, 1st Test: Sanath Jayasuriya plays down 'Bazball' hype, says it is just 'media publicity' England squad: Daniel Lawrence, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope(c), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith(w), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Matthew Potts, Mark Wood, Shoaib Bashir, Jordan Cox, Olly Stone. Prior to the series opener, the home side have also announced their playing XI for the Manchester Test. Eng playing XI for 1st Test: Dan Lawrence, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope (c), Joe Root, Harry Brook (vc), Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Matthew Potts, Mark Wood, Shoaib Bashir. Sri Lanka squad: Dhananjaya De Silva (c), Kusal Mendis (vc), Dimuth Karunaratne, Nishan Madushka, Pathum Nissanka, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara, Nisala Tharaka, Prabath Jayasuriya, Ramesh Mendis, Jeffrey Vandersay, Milan Rathnayake.

England vs Sri Lanka, 1st Test Live Streaming: When and Where to watch Eng vs SL series opener

England on Monday defeated Sri Lanka by six wickets at the Galle International Stadium in Galle&nbsp;to win the two-match series 2-0. It was a historic win for the Joe Root-led side as England also become the first team to win six consecutive Test against Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

While Sri Lankan spinner Lasith&nbsp;Embuldeniya&nbsp;toiled hard to pick a 10-wicket-haul while also scoring a&nbsp;blistering 40 runs, England were patient enough to keep hitting the odd bad balls for runs as they chased the target with six wickets in hand. English opener Dom Sibley scored a gritty half-century after struggling in the series&nbsp;while skipper Root continued to impress with the bat while ending the series with a 100+ average.&nbsp;

England are now unbeaten on Sri Lankan soil in Test since 2012 and also won both the matches in the series after losing the toss.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/my-career-hit-a-low-after-world-cup-rishabh-pant-reflects-back-on-struggling-phase-359183" hreflang="en">'My career hit a low after World Cup': Rishabh Pant reflects back on struggling phase</a>

Dom Sibley, after the second Test in Galle, said: "It was nice to spend some time at the crease as I was just trying to build a partnership. Watching Joe, the way he has played in this series, it has been incredible. I have changed a couple of things about myself during this series, it takes a lot of courage to do few of these things. Just trying to work it out. Jos (Buttler) plays at a higher tempo and he took the pressure off me (during that partnership). It's a good win. Let's see what happens against India with a lot of guys coming back in. But scoring some runs has obviously taken some pressure off.”&nbsp;

Batting first, Sri Lanka posted 381 in the first innings after a great century by Angelo Matthews. For England, James Anderson was the wrecker-in-chief as the veteran bagged six wickets in the first innings.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/its-disrespectful-kevin-pietersen-lashes-out-on-englands-possible-xi-against-india-359060" hreflang="en">'It’s disrespectful': Kevin Pietersen lashes out on England's possible XI against India</a>

England, in reply, could manage 344 runs after a masterful 186 by skipper Root and crucial 55-run knock by Buttler. For Sri Lanka, Embuldeniya scalped seven wickets.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka, in the second innings, followed with just 126 runs as Embuldeniya made a mark with the bat by scoring 40 runs off 42 balls laced by six boundaries and one six.&nbsp;

Chasing the target, England lost the likes of Zak Crawley, Jonny Bairstow and Root for modest scores but Sibley and Buttler held their nerves to seal the match and historic series for the visitors.&nbsp;

England will now head to India for a full-fledged series starting from February 5.

England on Monday defeated Sri Lanka by six wickets at the Galle International Stadium in Galle to win the two-match series 2-0. It was a historic win for the Joe Root-led side as England also become the first team to win six consecutive Test against Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka.

England on Monday defeated Sri Lanka by six wickets at the Galle International Stadium in Galle to win the two-match series 2-0. It was a historic win for the Joe Root-led side as England also become the first team to win six consecutive Test against Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka. While Sri Lankan spinner Lasith Embuldeniya toiled hard to pick a 10-wicket-haul while also scoring a blistering 40 runs, England were patient enough to keep hitting the odd bad balls for runs as they chased the target with six wickets in hand. English opener Dom Sibley scored a gritty half-century after struggling in the series while skipper Root continued to impress with the bat while ending the series with a 100+ average. England are now unbeaten on Sri Lankan soil in Test since 2012 and also won both the matches in the series after losing the toss. ALSO READ: 'My career hit a low after World Cup': Rishabh Pant reflects back on struggling phase Dom Sibley, after the second Test in Galle, said: "It was nice to spend some time at the crease as I was just trying to build a partnership. Watching Joe, the way he has played in this series, it has been incredible. I have changed a couple of things about myself during this series, it takes a lot of courage to do few of these things. Just trying to work it out. Jos (Buttler) plays at a higher tempo and he took the pressure off me (during that partnership). It's a good win. Let's see what happens against India with a lot of guys coming back in. But scoring some runs has obviously taken some pressure off.” Batting first, Sri Lanka posted 381 in the first innings after a great century by Angelo Matthews. For England, James Anderson was the wrecker-in-chief as the veteran bagged six wickets in the first innings. ALSO READ: 'It’s disrespectful': Kevin Pietersen lashes out on England's possible XI against India England, in reply, could manage 344 runs after a masterful 186 by skipper Root and crucial 55-run knock by Buttler. For Sri Lanka, Embuldeniya scalped seven wickets. Sri Lanka, in the second innings, followed with just 126 runs as Embuldeniya made a mark with the bat by scoring 40 runs off 42 balls laced by six boundaries and one six. Chasing the target, England lost the likes of Zak Crawley, Jonny Bairstow and Root for modest scores but Sibley and Buttler held their nerves to seal the match and historic series for the visitors. England will now head to India for a full-fledged series starting from February 5.

England defeat Sri Lanka by six wickets in Galle, win series 2-0