Dan Lawrence
Dan Lawrence (Image Credit: Twitter)

England’s batsman Dan Lawrence is all set to return to the Test side for the fourth Test of the series against India. He was released from the squad to play in the County Championship for the Essex side against Glamorgan.

Earlier, it was reported by The Daily Mail that father-to-be, Jos Buttler, will likely miss the remaining Test matches of the five-match series. His absence leaves a gaping hole in the lower middle-order, and England might call up Lawrence to cover for him.

Jos Buttler, Dan Lawrence
Jos Buttler (Image Credit: Twitter)

Jonny Bairstow is more than handy with the gloves so he will fulfil the wicket-keeping duties for the last two Tests. Ollie Pope, who was also in the squad for the first two Tests, may be left out as the reports believe Lawrence is England’s first preference.

It is understood England are lining up Jonny Bairstow to keep wicket for the fourth Test starting at The Oval on Thursday, with Dan Lawrence, who has been released to play the first two days of Essex’s County Championship game at Glamorgan, set to come in ahead of Ollie Pope,” the report claimed.

England is hopeful of Woakes and Wood’s availability for The Oval Test

Chris Woakes
Chris Woakes (Credits: Getty)

The report went on to state that the hosts are currently optimistic about the possible return of Chris Woakes and Mark Wood. The latter was on a long injury lay-off after suffering a broken heel in 2020 against Pakistan. That was his last Test match as well, and his fitness may not be up to the mark.

He did play for the second XI of Worcestershire, where he bowled 25 overs without much of a fuss. His presence will be a big boost for England as their all-rounder Sam Curran has been a casualty in the series so far. Woakes is rated as a much better batsman and bowler than the younger Curran brother, so England will hope he gets fit.

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Mark Wood
Mark Wood (Image Credit: Twitter)

Wood, on the other hand, was brilliant in the third innings of the Lord’s Test. He damaged his right shoulder during the game and was subsequently ruled out for the Headingley Test. Luckily for England, Craig Overton did a great job of covering up for his teammate and played a vital role in his side’s innings win in the third Test.

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