England have named Somerset”s left-arm spinner Jack Leach in their squad for the second Ashes Test at Lord”s. Out of form all-rounder Moeen Ali have missed the cut after a disappointing show at Edgbaston.
The southpaw failed to get to double digits as he managed scores of 0 and 4. With the ball, Moeen conceded 172 runs and scalped mere three wickets. Leach, who was adjudged the man of the match in the one-off Test against Ireland, is certain to play at the home of cricket. Leach bowled just three overs against Ireland, but his resilience with the bat as he scored a crucial 92 tilted the call in his favor.
Archer earns a call-up in whites
The find of the 50-over show-piece event this year- Jofra Archer has been included in the squad. He is likely to make the cut in the final XI as veteran pacer James Anderson and Olly Stones miss out due to injuries.
Anderson bowled just 4 overs before limping off the guard as he sustained a calf injury. He made a brief appearance with the bat but that didn”t help the hosts much as they went down by 251 runs in the 1st Test.
Archer”s inclusion will inject fresh intent in the English camp. The pacer bagged a six-wicket haul and hit a 99-ball 108 for Sussex”s 2nd XI. Though, the game against Gloucestershire was his first outing in 11 months with the red-ball, Archer proved his match fitness by bowling long spells under the sun.
The bowling pack led by Stuart Broad need to find answers to Steve Smith”s composure as the batter”s 144 and 142 at Edgbaston proved to be the difference between the two sides before spinner Nathan Lyon added salt to the wound with a six-for.
England squad: Joe Root (capt), Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Joe Denly, Jack Leach, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes
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