England name 14-man squad for the second Test against Pakistan

England have named the 14-man strong squad for the second Test of the three-match series against Pakistan. The hosts chased down 277 thanks to Chris Woakes and Jos Buttler to win the series opener and will be looking to take an assailable lead now. However, they have been dealt a blow with Ben Stokes pulling out of the last two Tests to be with his family.

The all-rounder has also left the bio-bubble and the pacer Ollie Robinson has replaced him in the squad. His inclusion is the only change to the 14-man squad announced ahead of the first Test. It will be interesting to see who replaces Stokes in the XI. As of now, Zak Crawley looks set to make it to bolster the already brittle top five. Moreover, in the vice-captain’s absence, skipper Joe Root has to somehow raise his bar having gone under the radar so far.

Crawley coming in means the England captain will also bat at four, his preferred position. The selectors are keeping faith in the current batting line-up itself and will be hoping them to deliver.

Which pacer will be rested?

Meanwhile, Ollie Robinson looks set to make his Test debut if England continues the rotation policy for their pacers. James Anderson is the one who is most likely to be rested after having a sombre summer so far. He has picked six wickets in three Tests and didn’t have a great outing in Manchester.

There is no question of resting Chris Woakes after his all-round heroics at the Old Trafford and in Stokes’ absence, England will need his batting too at seven. Another seam option is Sam Curran who can bat decently at eight while Mark Wood is also likely to play thanks to his extreme pace. Dom Bess will be other player who might sit out after not impressing with his spin bowling in the last couple of Tests. Though it will depend on the conditions in Southampton ahead of the toss.

England’s 14-man squad for 2nd Test: Dom Sibley, Rory Burns, Zak Crawley, Joe Root (C), Ollie Pope, Jos Buttler (WK), Chris Woakes, Dom Bess, Jofra Archer, James Anderson, Stuart Broad, Ollie Robinson, Sam Curran, Mark Wood.