Picture Credit: ECB
England have announced their squad for the final Test against India, which is set to begin from September 10 onwards at Old Trafford, Manchester. Following a heavy defeat at the Oval, the home side has made some key changes in their squad with left-arm spinner Jack Leach getting a call-up. Meanwhile, wicketkeeper batsman Jos Buttler has also returned to the squad following his paternity leave while Sam Billings has been released.
The 16-member squad for England is as follows:
1. Joe Root (Yorkshire) - Captain
2. Moeen Ali (Worcestershire)
3. James Anderson (Lancashire)
4. Jonathan Bairstow (Yorkshire)
5. Rory Burns (Surrey)
6. Jos Buttler (Lancashire)
7. Sam Curran (Surrey)
8. Haseeb Hameed (Nottinghamshire)
9. Dan Lawrence (Essex)
10. Jack Leach (Somerset)
11. Dawid Malan (Yorkshire)
12. Craig Overton (Somerset)
13. Ollie Pope (Surrey)
14. Ollie Robinson (Sussex)
15. Chris Woakes (Warwickshire)
16. Mark Wood (Durham)
Mark Wood and Craig Overton included amid fitness concerns
English fans would certainly be delighted to see the fast-bowling duo of Mark Wood and Craig Overton being included in the squad amid serious concerns regarding their fitness. Wood had notably sustained a shoulder injury during the second Test at Lord's and was forced to miss the next two matches as a result. However, the 31-year-old seems to have recovered from the same and is in contention to feature in the final Test in Manchester.
On the other hand, Craig Overton had a scary moment on Day 5 of 4th Test when Umesh Yadav's pacy delivery struck him on his elbow before crashing onto the stumps. The 27-year-old was in lot of pain while walking back to the pavilion putting question marks over his availability for the final match. But, his inclusion in the 16-member squad probably clarifies that his injury is probably not that serious as it first appeared.
Selection dilemma for Chris Silverwood
England's coach Chris Silverwood faces a huge selection dilemma ahead of the final Test at Old Trafford. With his side 1-2 behind in the series, the 46-year-old will have to take some bold decisions to ensure England have all the bases covered for the final match.
With Jos Buttler back in the mix, it will be interesting to see if gets included in playing XI or not. In case of his inclusion, it could be either Jonny Bairstow or Ollie Pope who might have to make way for Buttler. It will also be exciting to see if the home side opts to play a front-line spinner in form of Jack Leach or continue with all-rounder Moeen Ali.