Dom_Bess

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After the first Test between England and New Zealand ended in a draw at Lord's, the focus now shifts to the second and decisive Test set to be played from June 10 onwards at Edgbaston. With the wicket in Birmingham expected to assist spinners, Jack Leach is in line to be included in the side. To make things interesting, England have now added another spinner in the squad for the contest against the Kiwis.

Bess has been included as cover for Leach: Silverwood

The hosts have included off-spinning all-rounder Dom Bess in the squad for the second Test. With Jack Leach already in the squad, it is surprising to see that they have added another spinner in the squad. However, head coach Chris Silverwood has clarified the reason behind the same. Reflecting on the same, the 46-year-old said, "The reason we've added Dom is that any cover we may need has to be in here with us. If Jack was to feature, we would need back-up for him in terms of concussion replacements and things like that."

Bess is coming into the squad after an impressive four-wicket haul in the ongoing county championship which helped Yorkshire to an emphatic victory against Sussex. The 23-year-old will undergo two days of isolation and will be allowed to start training with the team from Wednesday, provided he clears all the COVID-19 tests.

Silverwood also added that Leach is going to be the first-choice spinner if they decide to play one at Edgbaston. "If we are looking at playing a spinner and Jack were to get injured leading into the game, then we will need someone else there as well. It's making sure we cover that. Are we expecting a spinning wicket? We will see when we get there, but I'm making sure we've got every base covered, " he concluded.