IND vs ENG: Good news for England, Mark Wood & Chris Woakes return, Sam Billings replaces Jos Buttler for 4th Test – Pacer Mark Wood and all-rounder Chris Woakes have been added to the England squad for the fourth Test against India after regaining full fitness. As for Jos Buttler, the outgoing keeper has been replaced by Sam Billings.
Mark Wood had hurt his right shoulder while fielding during the 2nd Test at Lord’s while Chris Woakes has recovered from the heel injury that has kept him out of international cricket since the ODI series against Pakistan in July.
Chris Woakes makes a return to the England squad for the fourth #ENGvIND Test.
Sam Billings has been added as a replacement for Jos Buttler, who will miss the Test for the birth of his second child. pic.twitter.com/3mVPEUqrKB
— ICC (@ICC) August 29, 2021
IND vs ENG: Chris Woakes played a domestic T20 game on Friday and will be a welcome addition to the squad in the absence of key players such as Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer.
“Both of them have come through fine. Wood was bowling yesterday morning. He will be available for selection and Woakes has played so he becomes available again,” Silverwood said a day after England’s series-levelling win over India at Leeds.
IND vs ENG: Jos Buttler out, Bairstow to keep
Wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler could miss the remaining two Tests to attend the birth of his second child and when that happens, Jonny Bairstow will be back behind the stumps. Is Bairstow up for the job?
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IND vs ENG: “Yes, I am confident that Jonny can do the job if asked and yes Jonny would want to do the job if asked. We have had already had those conversations. He is happy to do that,” the coach added.
In his place, Sam Billings has been added as his replacement and could come back to the Playing XI.
IND vs ENG 4th Test: England squad: Joe Root (captain), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow (WK), Sam Billings (WK), Rory Burns, Sam Curran, Haseeb Hameed, Dan Lawrence, Dawid Malan, Craig Overton, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood.