13 Man Squad Named By England
England have finally named their 13 man squad on the eve of the second test match.
England have dropped failing batsman Joe Denly ahead of the second Test match at Old Trafford. The match gets underway tomorrow.
Denly, 34, who had previously been batting three in the England top order, averages 29.53 in 15 matches. He was out for 18 and 29 in the first Test at Southampton. Such scores have been deemed insufficient for an England top-order batsman.
Denly’s omission means his Kent teammate Zak Crawley has the opportunity to further establish himself in the side. He scored an impressive 76 last week at the Ageas Bowl and hence finds himself in the 13 man squad named by England.
The 22-year-old will move up one place to three in Denly’s absence to make way for the returning Joe Root. Crawley averages 31.25 in five Tests and made an impressive 76 in the second innings in Southampton to give England hope. This allows England to also retain Ollie Robinson in the 13 man squad.
No Anderson In The 13 Man Squad
James Anderson will also miss the Test, at his home ground, as the 37-year-old is rested. Pace bowler Mark Wood is the other man to miss out from the first match. Sussex bowler Ollie Robinson and Warwickshire all-rounder Chris Woakes come into the 13 man squad as replacements.
The aforementioned Joe Root will return to captain the side from paternity leave. Joe Root will play at the Emirates Old Trafford and will slot into his usual batting slot at four.
England certainly missed Root’s runs in the top order as well as his leadership as they lost the first Test match.
It remains to be seen whether England will go back to the tried and tested Stuart Broad, in the absence of James Anderson. Stuart Broad who has played 138 test matches, could provide valuable experience.
It will be familiar surroundings for the tourists. The West Indies have spent much of their time in the UK based in Manchester since arriving four weeks ago.
Perhaps an underestimated West Indies side were in the driving seat more or less from ball one. They deservedly ran out winners by four wickets on the final day.
Eng v WI Day 5: West Indies Win By Four Wickets
The tourists have now won four of the last six Test matches between the evenly matched sides. England knows they will have to improve if they are going to turn this around series in their favour. England will hope that the 13 man squad named can help them level the series.
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