The England coach Chris Silverwood announced the Men’s squad for the fourth England-India Test at Oval starting Thursday, 2nd September. Chris Woakes, who had been out of the squad after the New Zealand series in early June and bowled well in the T20 Blast for his side Birmingham Bears makes a return to the side.
“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,” Silverwood said in a press release of England and Wales Cricket Board.
Along with Woakes, Kent star Sam Billings has also been called upon as reserved wicketkeeper.
“He understands how we want to approach our cricket and is a popular member of the group. He will fit in well with the rest of the group,” Silverwood said about Billings’ arrival in the squad.
Saqib Mahmood, who was called in after Stuart Broad was injured has been released from the squad to join his side Lancashire in their quest for a County championship title as they start their Division 1 journey from August 30. wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler has also been released to be with his family during his wife’s impending delivery for their second child in September.
In Buttler’s absence, Bairstow will take the gloves while Billings would remain the reserve wicketkeeper.
“We would like to wish Jos (Buttler) and his family all the very best for the impending birth of their second child. Unfortunately, he will miss this Test. Jonny Bairstow will take over wicketkeeping duties,” the England coach said.
Earlier in the day, Silverwood had already announced that Mark Wood, who got injured during the second Test at Lord’s was available for selection.
With the series level at 1-1 and Oval being a spin-friendly condition, the Indian team wouldn’t be an easy pass for England whatsoever. But with bowling stocks intact, they would look to make the most of it.
England Men’s Fourth Test Squad
Joe Root (Capt), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Sam Billings, Rory Burns, Sam Curran, Haseeb Hameed, Dan Lawrence, Dawid Malan, Craig Overton, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood