England announce squad for the rescheduled Test against India
England have announced the squad for the rescheduled fifth Test against India that is set to be played from July 1 in Birmingham. The selectors have decided to keep faith in the same squad that whitewashed New Zealand in the three-match Test series. The hosts chased down 296 runs on the final day without much fuss thanks to half-centuries from Joe Root, Ollie Pope and Jonny Bairstow who smashed 71* off just 44 deliveries.
Meanwhile, Sam Billings has managed to keep his place in the squad who played the third and final Test against the Kiwis as a COVID substitute for Ben Foakes who contracted the virus during the game. Billings wasn’t needed to bat in the second innings and his major contribution was the catch he took to dismiss Neil Wagner off Jack Leach.
Foakes is still a doubt for the Test match against India. His five-day isolation will only end one day before the game begins. It remains to be seen if the home side will risk playing him in the XI directly. There is also a chance of England preferring Billings who is only two Tests old.
England keep faith in Zak Crawley
Despite a stunning series victory for England, the management will be worried about Zak Crawley’s form. He could only muster 87 runs at an average of 14.50 in the series. However, the selectors have decided to stick with him. But this could be the last chance for Crawley to keep his place in the line-up.
England are expected to make only a solitary change for the Test match against India with veteran James Anderson expected to return. He missed the third Test due to a niggle and is expected to be fully fit in time for the crucial game. However, whom he replaces is what remains to be seen. Jamie Overton, Matthew Potts and Stuart Broad all had a decent Test match and the series against New Zealand. Overton who replaced Anderson picked up two wickets in the match but scored a valuable 97 in the first innings after coming out to bat at 55/6.
England squad for 5th Test against India: Ben Stokes (C), James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Sam Billings, Stuart Broad, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Foakes, Jack Leach, Alex Lees, Craig Overton, Jamie Overton, Matthew Potts, Ollie Pope, Joe Root.
