James Anderson returns for 2nd Test vs India as England announce playing XI

Veteran England pacer James Anderson has returned to the England team for the second Test of the ongoing five-match series against India. The Ben Stokes-led English team made two changes to their playing XI from the previous Test match in Hyderabad.

James Anderson is on the verge of a historic milestone, needing just 10 more wickets to reach 700 in Test cricket. The veteran pacer is currently the third-highest wicket-taker in Test history. He picked up 690 wickets from 183 matches at a moderate average of 26.42.

The 41-year-old also holds a decent record in India, having taken 34 wickets in 13 Tests. He played a key role in 2012, when England won a Test series in India. During England’s previous tour of India in 2021, he secured eight wickets with an impressive average of 15.88.

James Anderson And Shoaib Bashir Named In Playing XI

Mark Wood played as the lone pacer in England’s attack in the Hyderabad Test, considering his express pace. However, Wood struggled to take wickets in both innings of the match. He has been replaced by James Anderson in the bowling attack for the next match.

Left-arm spinner Jack Leach has been ruled out of the upcoming match due to a knee injury. Leach sustained the injury while fielding during the series opener. Young spinner Shoaib Bashir is set to make his Test debut in Visakhapatnam, replacing Leach in the playing XI.

Shoaib Bashir has claimed 10 wickets in six first-class matches at a disappointing averaging of 67, with best figures of 3/67. The 20-year-old also possesses batting skills in the lower order. Bashir joined the England team after obtaining travel clearance to India.

Shoaib Bashir Really Enjoyed Being In That Dressing-room – Ben Stokes

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Ben Stokes expressed confidence in Bashir’s ability to perform well in India. He mentioned that Bashir’s time in the dressing room during the Hyderabad Test allowed him to acclimate to the team environment.

“He was just taking it all in to be honest, landing [from the UK] that early, then coming in and seeing what had gone on. I think he really enjoyed being in that dressing-room (on day four). There’s no worries and no issues for me that he’s been away from the group for a period of time, then coming back in to make his debut. It’s not like he’s forgotten how to bowl,” Stokes said.

Rehan Ahmed retained his spot in the lineup despite his ordinary performance in the first Test match. Tom Hartley played a crucial role in England’s Test victory with figures of 7 for 62 in the second innings. The English team to field with three inexperienced spinners

The second Test match will be played at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam, starting on Friday, February 2.

England’s playing XI For Second Test vs India: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes (C), Ben Foakes, Rehan Ahmed, Tom Hartley, Shoaib Bashir, and James Anderson