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The highly-anticipated five-match series for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy has reached its penultimate stage. After the fourth Test, which was played at the Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester ended in a draw, the series stands 2-1 in favour of the hosts, who came out victorious in the first and third Test in Leeds and London, respectively.
While the home side will hope to put up a show in the fifth Test, set to be played from Thursday, July 31 onwards at the Kia Oval in London, the England Cricket on Monday, announced their 15-member squad, which saw the addition of all-rounder Jamie Overton. While the Surrey all-rounder comes into the squad after three years, he has played only one Test, which came in 2022.
Stuart Broad offers to rest Archer; asks to give a game to Gus Atkinson in fifth Test vs India
However, his inclusion in the playing XI looks bleak, former India pacer and legend Stuart Broad has shared his opinions on England’s possible XI. Speaking on Sky Sports, broad opined that Jofra Archer should be rested for the final Test against India in order to manage him for the upcoming Ashes series. "We can't not have Archer for four years, bring him back and then bowl him into the ground and not see him for another four years." Instead, Broad backed Gus Atkinson to make his mark in the upcoming match. "I think Gus Atkinson has to play. I know he has not had any workload, but we need to see him. He hasn't been really challenged against top-level opposition in Test cricket yet," Broad added.
The former England pacer also raised concerns on Brydon Carse’s workload as the pacer have featured in majority of Tests in this series, highlighting why he offers to pick Atkinson. "[Brydon] Carse looked knackered in the fourth Test. He's been a trier and given absolutely everything, but it looks like his legs have gone. So Atkinson gets the nod," he explained.
England squad for fifth Test vs India
Ben Stokes (C), Joe Root, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes.
