ENG vs SA: England Confirm Playing XI For 2nd Test Against South Africa

England captain Ben Stokes revealed the playing XI for the second Test against South Africa at Old Trafford in Manchester.

The home side made only one change to the previous eleven with Ollie Robinson replacing youngster, Matthew Potts, considering the bounce available in Manchester.

Speaking about the change, Stokes said: “Ollie gets the most bounce out of our attack and we think generally at Old Trafford that with it being a slightly quicker wicket it offers bounce.”

Stokes said that Potts took the decision quite well and for a 23-year-old to have such an understanding of the game bodes well for them.

“It is tough for Matty [Potts] to miss out but what he has done in five games is taken himself from a county cricketer with a lot of promise and really announced himself on the big stage.”

“You also have to give him a lot of credit to handle the decision so professionally at such a young age. I think that is a real indication of where we are at as a team at the moment,” Stokes mentioned.

James Anderson and Stuart Broad will continue to lead the attack and Robinson will likely be the first change for Stokes and co.

“The selection was based around what we thought was the best bowling attack to suit this particular ground and he completely understood that.”

“For a 23-year-old to completely understand the bigger picture of what we are trying to achieve and not throw his toys out of the pram was something that shouldn’t be overlooked,” he added.

England playing XI for 2nd Test:

Zak Crawley, Alex Lees, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes (captain), Ben Foakes (wicketkeeper), Ollie Robinson, Stuart Broad, Jack Leach, James Anderson

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