James Anderson Returns, Shoaib Bashir To Debut As ENG Announce Playing XI vs IND For Vizag Test

ENG announces squad (AP)

England is gearing up to face India in the second Test of the series at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam, commencing on February 2. Following their impressive comeback win in Hyderabad, England leads the series 1-0, while India aims for redemption on home soil.

In Hyderabad, Ollie Pope's stunning 196-run innings turned the tide in England's favor, supported by debutant spinner Tom Hartley's nine-wicket haul. 

Now, with the series momentum in their favor, England introduces uncapped spinner Shoaib Bashir to strengthen their bowling arsenal after a visa delay kept him out of the opener. Coach Brendon McCullum hints at a four-pronged spin strategy, considering pace bowler Mark Wood's previous struggles.

England's playing XI for the Vizag Test sees Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, and Ollie Pope leading the batting lineup, backed by the experienced Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow. Captain Ben Stokes, along with Ben Foakes, brings stability, while Rehan Ahmed joins Hartley and Bashir in the spin department. The seasoned James Anderson spearheads the pace attack.

England's Playing XI

Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett,Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes (C), Ben Foakes, Rehan Ahmed , Tom Hartley, Shoaib Bashir, James Anderson.

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