IND vs ENG 2nd Test: Anderson returns, Shoaib Bashir set for debut

James Anderson, Shoaib Bashir (Pic: File Pic)

The visitors announced their playing XI for the IND vs ENG 2nd Test which will kick start on January 2. Veteran speedster James Anderson will return to the side by replacing Mark Wood. England is leading the five-match test series against India by 1-0 after securing a win in the first test match by 28 runs.

Mark Wood was the only fast bowler in the England team during the first test match. Also, he went wicketless in that match as England spinners bagged all the Indian wickets.

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The 41-year-old English pacer last played a test match against Australia at The Oval in July 2023.

The English Cricket Board stated that there will be two changes in the team with Anderson replacing Wood and Jack Leach to make way for debutant Shoaib Bashir ahead of the IND vs ENG 2nd Test. Jack Leach is ruled out due to a knee injury.

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Bashir, an uncapped spinner, will make his debut in the Visakhapatnam Test, as the visitors continue with a three-prong spin attack. He missed the first test due to visa delay but later joined his team in Hyderabad for the 2nd Test.

Spinner Rehan Ahmed has been retained after a limited role in Hyderabad. England prevailed against India in adverse circumstances in the first Test. After conceding a 190-run lead in the first innings, the visitors fought on the back of a splendid 196 from Ollie Pope. Tom Hartley's 7/62 in the second innings helped them win the game by 28 runs.

IND vs ENG 2nd Test Squad

England: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes (c), Ben Foakes, Rehan Ahmed, Tom Hartley, Shoaib Bashir and James Anderson.

(With ANI Inputs)