IND vs ENG 3rd Test: England in crisis call up Dawid Malan to Test side after 3 years, seamer Saqib Mahmood also included

The 24-year-old right-arm quick is familiar with the England set-up, having toured as a reserve during England’s winter Test programmes in Sri Lanka and India. In addition, he was part of the extended squads during last summer’s behind closed doors Test series against West Indies and Pakistan and was called up as back up in the build-up to the first Test at Lord’s.

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IND vs ENG 3rd Test: England squad: England drop Zak Crawley and Dom Sibley 

Batsmen Zak Crawley and Dom Sibley are omitted and will return to Kent and Warwickshire respectively, to spend some time playing. Somerset spinner Jack Leach will return to Taunton, but remains on standby as back-up to Moeen Ali.

The England medical team will monitor seamer Mark Wood’s injured right shoulder sustained at the end of day four during the first Test at Lord’s. It is expected that he will make a full recovery ahead of the Emerald Headingley Test.

IND vs ENG 3rd Test: England squad: “The Test series is beautifully poised, and we are relishing the prospect of aiming to bounce back at Emerald Headingley next week. Dawid Malan deserves his opportunity in the Test arena. He has a lot of experience across all formats and, if called upon, I am confident that he can come and do well on his home ground. In the limited time he has played first-class cricket this season, he has shown what he is capable of, scoring a highly accomplished 199 for Yorkshire against Sussex at Headingley in June,” England Men’s Head Coach, Chris Silverwood said.

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Apart from Joe Root, none has found the rhythm in the Test series. The top-order especially has struggled. For the first time in over three decades, both openers returned to the pavilion on ducks in the 2nd innings of the 2nd Test. Both Zack Crawley and Dom Sibley have been struggling and have been shown the door.

“Zak Crawley will return to Kent to galvanise the excellent work he did last week in the nets at Lord’s with Assistant Coach Graham Thorpe. Zak is still a massive part of our plans moving forward, but we feel he would benefit from time outside the pressure of international competition to get some time working on his skills. He has a bright future and I do not doubt that his time will come again in the Test arena,” Silverwood said.

IND vs ENG 3rd Test: England squad: “Dom Sibley needs some time away to regain his confidence after a challenging period. He will return to Warwickshire to spend time in the middle without the scrutiny and find some rhythm and confidence. Dom offers a lot of value to the Test environment and some time away should help him. However, he remains part of our plans.

“Jack Leach will return to Somerset to get some game time. I have been impressed with his patience and it’s not easy living under the COVID protocols, especially when you’re not playing. However, he has regained his confidence and spark, and it has been a considerable asset having him around. He will be on standby should we need his services, but we want what is best for him and playing cricket and getting overs into him is the way to go.

IND vs ENG 3rd Test: England squad: Mark Wood racing against time to be fit

IND vs ENG 3rd Test: England squad: Meanwhile, pacer Mark Wood will have seven days to pass the fitness Test ahead of the 3rd match of the series. He had injured his shoulder while fielding in the 2nd Test.

“We are hopeful that Mark Wood will be fit after injuring his right shoulder in the first Test. Our medical team will be working with him each day. We will monitor where he is at when we get to Leeds,” Silverwood said.

“We also have the services of Saqib Mahmood, who has been brilliant across all formats this summer. He is confident, highly-skilled and will not be overawed if he is to make his Test debut. His temperament and attitude are suited to the international arena.”

The England Men’s Test squad will report to its Leeds base on Sunday.

IND vs ENG 3rd Test: England squad: 

Joe Root (captain), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jos Buttler (WK), Rory Burns, Jonny Bairstow (WK), Sam Curran, Haseeb Hameed, Dan Lawrence, Saqib Mahmood, Dawid Malan, Craig Overton, Ollie Pope (WK), Ollie Robinson, Mark Wood.