England have added wicketkeeper-batter Sam Billing to their squad for the rescheduled fifth Test against India, which will get underway on July 1 at Edgbaston in Birmingham. Billings served as the Covid substitute for Ben Foakes who tested positive during the third Test against New Zealand. Foakes complained of back stiffness and was unable to keep wickets on Day 3. Later, he underwent a test which revealed a positive result and he subsequently went into isolation.
Billings’ addition is the only change to what is now a 15-man squad, with the selectors choosing to keep faith in Zak Crawley at the top of the order, despite a lean series in which he was visibly struggling for form and confidence.
Veteran pacer James Anderson, who was rested for the final Test against New Zealand is likely to return to the playing XI and pair up with Stuart Broad. Jamie Overtan, who made his debut in the final Test against the Black Caps have retained his place in the squad.
We’ll come out with exactly the same mindset – Ben Stokes
While England clean-swept New Zealand in the three-match Test series, they are trailing 1-2 against India in the yet to be completed series. England moved up to the seventh place in the World Test Championship standings following their 3-0 win, while India are currently at the third spot.
England squad for fifth Test vs 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.
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