I don’t think it really matters who is the better between Leach and Bess. It’s pretty clear that neither of them are international class at present. Root out bowled both of them. I’d rather have Moeen in the side, and hopefully he’ll be back in for the 2nd test now his stint in solitary confinement has come to an end.
I think it's a certainty Moeen would of been in the first test as first pick, probably in the batting position just before the keeper.
That would of given England another option either bowling or batting, ie e Stokes role. Lawrence probably could of still played and maybe Leach and Bess, I'm not sure we need Broad,Wood and Curran as 3 seamers in the conditions we have to play on.
For some reason I don't quite understand myself, the Sri Lankans seem to of extended Mo's quarantine period which means if he does play in the second test it will be will be with no practice and no training.
I think he's been ruled out already.
Moeen I've always though a bit of a square peg in a round hole, in England a low order batter and sole spinner who may or may not be our best spin option....but if you look at his stats they compare pretty well with any of our spinners plus he can bat, and has scored us vital runs from number 8.