Whether it is an outcome of the last Test defeat or whether focussed on things to come, but Jos Buttler, who went on a family break after the third Test has been recalled for the last Test in Manchester. Along with him, Somerset spinner Jack Leach has been called in as well giving an indication of things to expect in Old Trafford, which turned even during the T20 Blast games.
Although Craig Overton suffered a blow to the elbow while batting in the fourth Test, he has still been included in the 16-man squad announced on Tuesday. Sam Billings, who was called in as cover for Buttler has returned back to his county of Kent.
Mark Wood would be avoidable for selection in the fifth Test and England head coach Chris Silverwood feels that it can work as an advantage for the team. “He could come back and if he does, he will obviously add that pace for us. If the pitch is abrasive as it usually is at Old Trafford there should be reverse swing,” Silverwood said about Wood.
About whether James Anderson will play the game at his home turf or not, Silverwood said that it would be decided after a chat with the man himself on where does he feel about his body. “James knows his own body. He will certainly give me an honest opinion of where he is at, and it's certainly something I will listen to,” he said.
England squad: Joe Root (capt), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Haseeb Hameed, Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Dawid Malan, Craig Overton, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood