Picture Credit: ECB
The England vs India Test series is definitely living up to the expectations of the fans, given the thrilling turnarounds the two teams are producing. Though India find themselves at the better end after the conclusion of two matches, thanks to their 1-0 lead, England too fought neck-and-neck with the visitors to make sure the spectators got the best of games to see.
Despite all, one cannot ignore the batting woes of the English team, especially when taking about the top order. Keeping in account the failure of the batsmen at the top order and the injury of pacer Mark Wood, changes in the England squad were inevitable
According to the latest update, the Three Lions have now added batsman Dawid Malan and fast bowler Saqib Mahmood in the squad. The ones axed to make places for the new entrants are batsmen Zak Crawley and Dominic Sibley. Meanwhile, it should be noted that injured Wood is expected to recover ahead of the third Test against India.
England's revised squad against India:
Dawid Malan deserves his opportunity: Chris Silverwood
England head coach Silverwood backed Dawid Malan's addition by putting his trust upon the ability of the player who is returning to the longest format after three years. “Dawid Malan deserves his opportunity in the Test arena. He has a lot of experience across all formats and, if called upon, I am confident that he can come and do well on his home ground. In the limited time he has played first-class cricket this season, he has shown what he is capable of, scoring a highly accomplished 199 for Yorkshire against Sussex at Headingley in June," said the head coach.
Mark wood expected to be fit for 3rd Test
Mark Wood, who suffered shoulder injury during the second Test at Lord's, is expected to recover ahead of the third game in Leeds.
“We are hopeful that Mark Wood will be fit after injuring his right shoulder in the first Test. Our medical team will be working with him each day. We will monitor where he is at when we get to Leeds, said Silverwood.
“We also have the services of Saqib Mahmood, who has been brilliant across all formats this summer. He is confident, highly-skilled and will not be overawed if he is to make his Test debut. His temperament and attitude are suited to the international arena,” he added.