England profiles

CHRIS READ
Wicketkeeper; right-hand batsman

FACTFILE DOB: 10.8.1978 Team: Nottinghamshire Test debut: v New Zealand, Edgbaston 1999 ODI debut: v South Africa, Bloemfontein 20000

The livewire from Nottinghamshire had a triumphant return to the international arena in 2003 following a three-and-a-half year absence.

He is still very youthful, and can scurry quick singles with the very best of them while showing enough maturity to play the big shots when required at the end of an innings.

But by far the most important aspect of his performance in one-day colours under Michael Vaughan in the summer was his flawless display with the gloves.

With Alec Stewart finally retired, Read resumed his Test career in Bangladesh after a four-year gap and looked at home immediately.

In Sri Lanka, the challenge will clearly be tougher, however.