England announced Playing XI as James Anderson Makes a Comeback in 2nd Test Against India

madhanriderz — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 23:44:53 GMT

Veteran English fast bowler James Anderson marks his return to the England squad for the second Test of the ongoing five-match series against India. Under the leadership of Ben Stokes, the English team has introduced two changes to their playing XI since the previous Test match in Hyderabad.

As Anderson resumes play, he stands on the cusp of a historic milestone, requiring just 10 more wickets to achieve the remarkable feat of 700 wickets in Test cricket. Currently positioned as the third-highest wicket-taker in Test history, the seasoned pacer has amassed 690 wickets from 183 matches, maintaining a commendable average of 26.42.

Boasting a respectable record in India, Anderson has claimed 34 wickets in 13 Tests. His pivotal role in England’s Test series victory in India in 2012 is noteworthy. During England’s 2021 tour of India, the 41-year-old contributed significantly with eight wickets, showcasing an impressive average of 15.88.

James Anderson And Shoaib Bashir Named In Playing XI

Mark Wood played as the lone pacer in England’s attack in the Hyderabad Test, considering his express pace. However, Wood struggled to take wickets in both innings of the match. He has been replaced by James Anderson in the bowling attack for the next match.

Left-arm spinner Jack Leach has been ruled out of the upcoming match due to a knee injury. Leach sustained the injury while fielding during the series opener. Young spinner Shoaib Bashir is set to make his Test debut in Visakhapatnam, replacing Leach in the playing XI.

Shoaib Bashir, with a less-than-impressive average of 67, has secured 10 wickets across six first-class matches, with his best figures standing at 3/67. Despite this, the 20-year-old displays promising batting abilities in the lower order. Following the acquisition of travel clearance to India, Bashir has now joined the England team.

Ben Stokes noted that Shoaib Bashir found great enjoyment in being part of that dressing room

During the pre-match press conference, Ben Stokes conveyed his belief in Bashir’s capability to excel in India. Stokes highlighted that Bashir’s presence in the dressing room during the Hyderabad Test facilitated his adjustment to the team environment.

“He was truly absorbing everything, to be honest, arriving [from the UK] so early and then entering to witness what had transpired. I believe he thoroughly relished being in that dressing room on day four. There are no concerns or reservations for me regarding his time away from the group; coming back to make his debut, it’s not as though he has forgotten how to bowl,” remarked Stokes.

Despite an underwhelming performance in the first Test match, Rehan Ahmed has retained his position in the lineup. Tom Hartley played a pivotal role in England’s Test victory, securing figures of 7 for 62 in the second innings. The English team is set to field with three inexperienced spinners.

The second Test match is scheduled to take place at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam, commencing on Friday, February 2nd.

England’s Second Test Playing XI against India includes Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes (C), Ben Foakes, Rehan Ahmed, Tom Hartley, Shoaib Bashir, and James Anderson.