England have recalled Chris Woakes for the fourth Test against India which starts next Thursday at The Oval. The side has named a 15-member squad for the next Test. England beat India by an innings and 76 runs in the third Test at Headingley. They came back from being 0-1 down in the Test match to level the series 1-1 with two Test matches to go. Meanwhile, among the other interesting names in the squad includes Ollie Pope, Sam Curran, Craig Overton and Dan Lawrence.
Jos Buttler is not a part of the squad for the next Test while Mark Wood comes back after recovering from a shoulder injury. Woakes having played his last Test last year, also makes a comeback to the Test team after recovering from a heel injury. England coach Chris Silverwood welcomed him back to the side.
England Recall Chris Woakes In The Mix
Welcome back, @chriswoakes đź‘Š#ENGvIND
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 29, 2021
“It is very pleasing that we have Chris Woakes returning to the Test squad. He has bowled well over the past week with Warwickshire without any real concerns with his heel injury. He is an asset we have been missing both with the ball and his ability to score runs in the middle order. We are looking forward to seeing him prepare at the Oval as we go into back-to-back Tests” head coach Chris Silverwood said.
The England coach further confirmed that Jonny Bairstow will keep wickets at The Oval with Sam Billings added to the squad as a backup. Buttler who hinted at missing the final two Test matches has been released from the squad. It is not yet known if Buttler will return for the final Test in Manchester.
“We would like to wish Jos and his family all the very best for the impending birth of their second child.Unfortunately, he will miss this Test, and we’ll then see if he returns for the final Test. Jonny Bairstow will take over wicketkeeping duties, which he is relishing. As we all know, he has the skills to seamlessly take over from Jos and the ability to score crucial runs in the middle-order if called upon” Silverwood said.
England Squad For Fourth Test
Joe Root (C), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Sam Curran, Ollie Pope, Rory Burns, Haseeb Hameed, Craig Overton, Mark Wood, Dan Lawrence, Dawid Malan, Chris Woakes, Ollie Robinson, Sam Billings, Jonny Bairstow
