England have introduced the squad for the rescheduled fifth Take a look at in opposition to India that’s set to be performed from July 1 in Birmingham. The selectors have determined to maintain religion in the identical squad that whitewashed New Zealand within the three-match Take a look at sequence. The hosts chased down 296 runs on the ultimate day with out a lot fuss due to half-centuries from Joe Root, Ollie Pope and Jonny Bairstow who smashed 71* off simply 44 deliveries.
In the meantime, Sam Billings has managed to maintain his place within the squad who performed the third and last Take a look at in opposition to the Kiwis as a COVID substitute for Ben Foakes who contracted the virus through the sport. Billings wasn’t wanted to bat within the second innings and his main contribution was the catch he took to dismiss Neil Wagner off Jack Leach.
Foakes remains to be a doubt for the Take a look at match in opposition to India. His five-day isolation will solely finish sooner or later earlier than the sport begins. It stays to be seen if the house aspect will threat enjoying him within the XI immediately. There’s additionally an opportunity of England preferring Billings who is barely two Assessments previous.
England hold religion in Zak Crawley
Regardless of a shocking sequence victory for England, the administration will probably be apprehensive about Zak Crawley’s type. He might solely muster 87 runs at a mean of 14.50 within the sequence. Nonetheless, the selectors have determined to stay with him. However this could possibly be the final likelihood for Crawley to maintain his place within the line-up.
England are anticipated to make solely a solitary change for the Take a look at match in opposition to India with veteran James Anderson anticipated to return. He missed the third Take a look at attributable to a niggle and is predicted to be totally slot in time for the essential sport. Nonetheless, whom he replaces is what stays to be seen. Jamie Overton, Matthew Potts and Stuart Broad all had a good Take a look at match and the sequence in opposition to New Zealand. Overton who changed Anderson picked up two wickets within the match however scored a beneficial 97 within the first innings after popping out to bat at 55/6.
England squad for fifth Take a look at in opposition to 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.
