India vs England 2021: England Name 12-Man Squad For Second Test; James Anderson Out, Stuart Broad In

The second Test between India and England will be played in Chennai from February 13 onwards and the visiting team has announced their 12-man squad for the important match of the four-Test series. England already leads the series 1-0 after defeating India by 227 runs in the first Test at the same venue.

Before the squad was announced, in a huge setback for the England side, fast bowler Jofra Archer was ruled out of the second Test due to a niggling elbow injury, for which he even had an injection to relieve some pain. However, the injury is a minor one and he is reported to miss only one match of the series.

Stuart Broad Replaces James Anderson, Olly Stone Included, While Dom Bess Rested

The batting order remains the same as it was in the first Test match in Chennai, with Dom Sibley and Rory Burns opening the innings for England. Dan Lawrence keeps his place in the playing XI, despite being dismissed LBW in both the innings for 0 & 18. The visitors will hope that captain Joe Root will hit another massive score.

Ben Stokes and Ollie Pope round up the middle order, including Ben Foakes replacing Jos Buttler for the upcoming three-Test matches.

Off-spinner Dom Bess has been rested and all-rounder Moeen Ali comes in after spending quite a time on the bench during the Sri Lanka tour due to him contracting COVID-19. He has a good record against India and has good experience playing in India during the Indian Premier League as well.

Moeen Ali will be partnered with Jack Leach, who rattled the Indian batting in the second innings and will be called upon to do the same job here as well.

Who Will Replace Jofra Archer?

England has also called upon Chris Woakes, Olly Stone, and Stuart Broad while resting James Anderson for the second Test. While Anderson helped England win the first Test with a great spell of three quick wickets; head coach Chris Silverwood had indicated that changes will be made to the playing combination.

While Stuart Broad is certain to make it into the playing XI, it remains to see who replaces Jofra Archer- Chris Woakes or Olly Stone. Woakes brings in the ability to move the ball off the pitch and even swing it in the air, while Stone brings in extreme pace to the table.

It remains to be seen what final England playing XI will be for the second Test as they look to gain a 2-0 lead in the series and strengthen their position for ICC World Test Championship final spot and play New Zealand at Lord’s in June.

England’s 12-man squad for the second Test match:

Dom Sibley, Rory Burns, Dan Lawrence, Ben Stokes, Joe Root (C), Ollie Pope, Ben Foakes (WK), Moeen Ali , Jack Leach, Chris Woakes, Olly Stone, Stuart Broad

Also Read: India vs England 2021: Very Well Aware That Virat Kohli And India Can Respond Strongly – Joe Root 

England confirm 12-man squad for 2nd Test: Sibley, Burns, Lawrence, Stokes, Root, Pope, Foakes, Moeen, Leach, Woakes, Stone, Broad

Anderson, Buttler, Bess and Archer miss out from the first Test #INDvENG

— Rob Johnston (@RobJ_Cricket) February 12, 2021