England announce 14-member squad for the third Test vs SA

England have announced a 14-member squad for the third and final Test against South Africa slated to be played from September 8 at the Kennington Oval in London. The series is currently locked at 1-1 with the hosts levelling it with an innings and 85-run comfortable win. South Africa had earlier taken a lead with a thumping win at Lord’s by an innings and 12 runs.

The selection panel comprising captain Ben Stokes, coach Brendon McCullum and managing director Rob Key have decided to retain the same squad that played the second Test match. Ollie Robinson was the one who came into the playing XI in the second Test at the expense of Matthew Potts. 

England put up a brilliant performance in Manchester Test after coming under the scanner for their dismal show at Lord’s. They are unlikely to change their playing XI either unless there are last-minute injuries. Robinson’s inclusion provided a different dimension to their pace bowling attack that also has veterans James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Stokes.

Zak Crawley continues to be under the radar

Meanwhile, opener Zak Crawley continues to be under the radar despite his fighting knock in the first innings. He mustered 38 runs off 101 deliveries with five fours and was the fifth wicket to fall for England. He will be hoping to take that confidence into the deciding Test match against the Proteas.

Even Stokes had backed Crawley after his poor run of form extended in the Lord’s Test as well. “The two guys I know want to be contributing more towards the team, but I look at the two lads that we have at the top and they’re all about the team and taking the individual aspect away of what cricket can do.

“The wider picture of this whole team that we’re really growing towards is that the team ethos is bigger than any individual goal. So I’m really happy with the way they’re still going out there and trying to impose themselves on the game and I know a big score for both is around the corner for both of them because they’re both quality players,” Stokes had said of Alex Lees and Crawley.

England squad for 3rd and final Test: Ben Stokes (C), Alex Lees, Zak Crawley, Joe Root, Ollie Pope, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Foakes, James Anderson, Jack Leach, Harry Brook, Stuart Broad, Matthew Potts, Ollie Robinson, Craig Overton