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Ben Foakes recovers from Covid; Will rejoin England squad for Edgbaston Test

England wicket-keeper batter Ben Foakes, who missed the third and final Test against New Zealand at Leeds after testing positive for Covid-19, has successfully recovered and is expected to make a return.


Kent wicket-keeper batter Sam Billing was drafted into England's playing XI as Foakes replacement in the Headingley Test. Billings remained with the squad ahead of the India Test, just in case Foakes would have failed to recover on time. 


However, the 29-year-old has tested negative for the virus and took part in the light training session ahead of the fifth Test against India, which was postponed last year after several covid cases were found in the team India camp. 


If all goes well, Foakes will be available for selection in the Edgbaston Test against India on Friday. In another development, James Anderson, who also missed the Leeds Test against the Black Caps due to some issues in his right ankle, is all set to feature in the final Test against India. 


Jimmy Anderson speaks on his return against India


"I've no idea if I'll play. We'll see what happens,"


"I hate missing games, obviously when the team is playing well, and after that game at Headingley when the feeling around the group is so good you want to be around it as much as possible," Anderson concluded. 


Meanwhile, the visitors have suffered a huge blow ahead of the all-important final clash against the Stokes-led side as skipper Rohit Sharma, who tested positive for Covid-19 ahead of the match, will miss the final Test. Senior paceman Jasprit Bumrah will now lead the side in the 35-year-old's absence. 


With KL Rahul already being ruled out for the fifth and final Test due to a groin injury, Team India is dealing with a massive injury crisis at the top of the order. As their replacements, Shubman Gill and Mayank Agarwal, who received a late call-up to the squad, are expected to open the innings for team India on Friday.