England captain Alastair Cook announced yesterday that the hosts had reduced their squad for the second Test against Pakistan from 14 to 12 after dropping Steven Finn and Jake Ball
England spinner Adil Rashid bowls during a practice session on the eve of the second Test vs Pakistan at Old Trafford, Manchester yesterday
Manchester (UK): England captain Alastair Cook announced yesterday that the hosts had reduced their squad for the second Test against Pakistan from 14 to 12 after dropping Steven Finn and Jake Ball. The fast bowlers, who both played in England’s 75-run defeat by Pakistan in the first Test at Lord’s, were released ahead of the second Test, which starts at Old Trafford today.
England spinner Adil Rashid bowls during a practice session on the eve of the second Test vs Pakistan at Old Trafford, Manchester yesterday
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Now fit-again paceman James Anderson (shoulder), England’s all-time leading wicket-taker, and all-rounder Ben Stokes (knee), who both didn’t play at Lord’s, are set to make their Test return in Manchester.
England’s decision means they could give a home debut to leg-spinner Adil Rashid, all of whose three Test appearances to date were away to Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates last year, in support of off-spinner Moeen Ali. "We’re going to name a 12 — Steven Finn and Bally are missing out," Cook told reporters yesterday.
"That means, obviously, Ben Stokes and Jimmy Anderson are back in — and Adil’s going to be in the 12, just depending on what happens to that wicket by tomorrow (Friday)."