IND vs ENG 2nd Test: England has announced their squad for the second Test against India. And the announced squad will feature 20-year-old Shoaib Bashir who is all set to make his Test debut at Visakhapatnam on Friday after being named as Jack Leach’s replacement in England’s XI.
Bashir linked up with England’s Test squad in India during their first Test last week after suffering complications in receiving an Indian visa. Bashir will march into the team as a replacement for Leach who has sustained an injury to his left knee while fielding on the first day of the Hyderabad Test. It will be Anderson’s 184th Test Cap & his first of 2024. This will make England’s bowling attack a force to reckon with the rest of England’s specialist bowlers in a spin-heavy attack boasting a total of three Test caps.
Speaking at the Pre-Match Press Conference, Stokes said that he was confident that Bashir’s struggle in getting India’s visa would not impact his performance. He also emphasized that his chance to sit in the dressing room during the later stages of the First Test had allowed Bashir to adapt to the team’s environment.
What Ben Stokes Said on Shoaib Bashir’s Selection
Stokes mentioned that taking in everything after landing from the UK, Bashir seemed to enjoy being in the dressing room on day four. Stokes expressed no concerns about Bashir’s time away, emphasizing that after making his debut, Bashir hasn’t forgotten how to bowl. Stokes noted that Brendon McCullum, England’s head coach, informed Bashir about his selection, and after finding out, Stokes approached him, shared the news, and Bashir appeared very excited.
Bashir is just 20 years old & has so far played 6 first-class matches. He has been included in England’s squad because Stokesy wanted to see his performance. Stokes saw Bashir bowling Alastair Cook in the County Cricket clash. His bowling style & spin impressed Stokes which propelled him to name Bashir in England’s Test Squad.
IND vs ENG 2nd Test: Anderson to come in place of Mark Wood
Shoaib Bashir was first picked for the England Lions squad where he performed well. Soon after that, he was named in the England Test squad for the India tour. He has faced visa issues but after surpassing all the obstacles Bashir has finally reached India & will look ahead for a stunning performance in the second Test.
Meanwhile, leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed retains his place after a limited role in the Hyderabad Test. On the other hand, Tom Hartley will receive his second Test cap after returning with astonishing figures of 7 for 62 to seal England’s first Test victory. Anderson who will get his 184th Test cap will play in place of Wood. It will be quite interesting to see how Anderson will play in the dry conditions of Vizag. He will be largely focussing on reverse-swinging the ball and bowling in tandem with the spinners, giving them ample support from the other end.
IND vs ENG 2nd Test: England’s Playing XI
1 Zak Crawley, 2 Ben Duckett, 3 Ollie Pope, 4 Joe Root, 5 Jonny Bairstow, 6 Ben Stokes (capt), 7 Ben Foakes (wk), 8 Rehan Ahmed, 9 Tom Hartley, 10 Shoaib Bashir, 11 James Anderson.
Also read, What team India need to qualify for WTC 2023-2025 Final?
