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The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced England’s playing XI for the second Test of the ongoing five-match home series against India. The match is scheduled to begin on Wednesday at Edgbaston in Birmingham.
Despite adding fast bowler Jofra Archer to the squad ahead of the second Test, England have decided to go with the same lineup that won the opening match in Leeds. Archer was expected to make his return to Test cricket after more than four years, but the team management has opted not to make any changes.
England secured a memorable five-wicket victory in the first Test by successfully chasing a challenging target of 371 runs. That win gave them a 1-0 lead in the series.
Zak Crawley and the in-form Ben Duckett will continue to open the batting, followed by Ollie Pope. The middle order includes experienced batter Joe Root, Harry Brook, captain Ben Stokes, and wicketkeeper Jamie Smith.
The bowling attack remains the same as well, featuring pacers Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, and Josh Tongue, along with off-spinner Shoaib Bashir.
In the first Test, England showed great fightback after India posted 471 runs in their first innings. England responded strongly with 465, thanks to contributions from multiple batters. India then set a target of 371 after scoring 364 in their second innings, with Rishabh Pant hitting his second consecutive century.
England chased the target comfortably, with Duckett leading the way with a brilliant 149 and Root adding a valuable fifty.
The second Test will now see England aiming to extend their lead in the series, while India will be looking to bounce back.
England playing XI for second Test against India:
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper), Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir.
