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England head coach Chris Silverwood has named a 15-player squad for the fourth Test match against India. Jos Buttler will miss the Test due to the expected arrival of his second child. Courtesy of which, Johnny Bairstow shall be given the duty behind the stumps. However, knowing that Buttler provides the depth in the English batting department in the middle order, Ollie Pope could be brought into the playing eleven in Buttler's place.
Chris Woakes recalled by England for 4th Test
Meanwhile, England have recalled their marquee fast bowler, Chris Woakes to the squad. Those whose are not aware, he was voted as the PCA Men’s Player of the Year for his performance in 2020. Yet he has not been a part of any Test action since August 2020. Woakes was not selected for the first three Test matches against India due to a heel injury which he suffered after falling down from the stairs.
In addition, another fast bowler Mark Wood will be monitored after jarring his shoulder during the second Test match. Also, Sam Billings who was in the Test squad against New Zealand earlier in the year will return as the reserve wicket-keeper.
England’s Coach, Chris Silverwood stated, “Mark Wood is making excellent recovery from his jarred right shoulder. He bowled in the middle on the last day at Headingley with our bowling coach Jon Lewis and was starting to get through his spells pain-free. For the first time in this series, it is pleasing to have several options with our bowling stocks as we approach the latter stages of the series.”
Silverwood added, “Sam Billings, who was in the Test squad for the New Zealand series earlier this summer, returns as reserve keeper. 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.”
Meanwhile, seamer Saqib Mahmood has returned to Lancashire for their County Championship Division One match against Warwickshire.
England Squad for 4th Test at Oval against India:
Joe Root (c), Sam Curran, Ollie Robinson, Moeen Ali, Haseeb Hameed, Chris Woakes, Dan Lawrence, Mark Wood, James Anderson, Dawid Malan, Jonny Bairstow, Sam Billings, Craig Overton, Ollie Pope and Rory Burns.