Joe Denly set for his Test debut in Antigua, confirms skipper Joe Root

Team England were taken aback by the might of the Windies side in the first Test of the ongoing Test assignment. A humiliating defeat in the first match now sees the English side being 0-1 down in the series. Prior to the commencement of the series, the visitors were expected to dictate terms against the hapless Windies unit, that has largely struggled to get their act going in the longest format of the game.

But now, with the hosts in the lead, the series has picked up some serious attention. On the eve of the second Test, the English skipper Joe Root revealed the playing combinations of his side for the match. The second Test of the series will be played at the iconic Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound, Antigua.

Joe Root confirmed that veteran Kent batter Joe Denly will get a chance in the second Test. He remarked that Denly has worked hard to earn his spot and deserves his credit. He will be drafted in the side at the expense of young Keaton Jennings. Jennings, who had shown great promise in the first couple of Test matches that he played, has only been a shadow of what he promised since then.

Root, being very kind to Jennings as well, remarked that the youngster will continue to be in the mix of things for the side and have a good learning on the tour as well. He always will have the opportunities to improve his game. Meanwhile, the 12-man squad features Stuart Broad and Jack Leach as well. Both of them did not play the first Test. One of the two gentlemen is expected to do the 12th man duties in the match.

“It gives Joe an opportunity. It’s disappointing for Keaton [Jennings], he’s done some excellent things and he will continue to work on developing his game and be a big part of this squad,” Joe Root quoted as per the official website of the ECB.

England squad for second Test vs West Indies:

Rory Burns, Joe Denly, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root (c), Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali, Ben Foakes, Sam Curran, Stuart Broad, Jimmy Anderson, Jack Leach.

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