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James Anderson: (Image Source: Twitter)
The England Cricket Team have announced their playing XI for the much-anticipated fifth Test against India, scheduled to be played from 1st to 5th July 2022 at Edgbaston Cricket Ground in Birmingham.
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Pace-spearhead, James Anderson, who was rested in the third Test match against New Zealand, makes his way back into the playing XI. He will lead England’s pace attack, which also comprises the likes of Stuart Broad and Mathew Potts.
With the pitch having a history of assisting spinners, England have opted to go with one front-line spinner in Jack Leach. Ben Foakes, who tested positive for Covid-19 during the third Test against New Zealand, hasn’t seemed to have recovered fully. Sam Billings will don the wicket-keeping gloves for the Test match against India.
Ben Stokes, the captain of the England Test team, would be brimming with confidence. After registering a 3-0 win in the last Test series against New Zealand, Stokes would be keen to win the Test against India as well.
In the batting department, the players like Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, and Ollie Pope are full fit and ready to face the Indian bowling unit. Besides, England have also persisted with the same opening pair of Zak Crawley and Alex Lees.
Here’s a look at the complete playing XI of the England Test team for the fifth Test:
Zak Crawley, Alex Lees, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes (c), Sam Billings (wk), Matthew Potts, Stuart Broad, Jack Leach, James Anderson
India, on the other hand, are likely to take the field without their skipper, Rohit Sharma. The Indian captain hasn’t recovered from Covid and is unlikely to play the fifth Test in Birmingham. In his absence, Jasprit Bumrah is expected to be given the responsibility to lead the side.
Virat Kohli’s form is a big concern right now for the team but he looked good in the warm-up match. He will be one of the players to watch out for. Also, it has been understood that the visitors are likely to include both Ashwin and Jadeja in the playing XI for the final Test. India, though, haven’t announced their playing XI yet.