Windies vs England 2019: Joe Root Confirms 12-Man Squad for Third Test

England captain Joe Root has named the 12-man squad for the third and final Test match against the Windies, set to be played at St. Lucia. The visitor’s talisman all-rounder Ben Stokes is retained in the squad whereas Ben Foakes has missed out. In fact, there were doubts over Ben Stokes participation as he had missed the training session due to a bruised heel.

However, Stokes is now expected to be included in the playing XI. On the other hand, England has already lost the Test series as they floundered in the first two Test matches.

England will play for pride in the final Test match.

The tourists lost the first Test match by a gargantuan margin of 381 runs whereas they lost the second game by 10 wickets. Thus, the Windies have thoroughly dominated the Test series.

In fact, the Windies skipper Jason Holder is suspended from the final match due to slow over rate. Consequently, Kraigg Brathwaite will hold the captaincy reins for the hosts. Furthermore, Keemo Paul was added to the Windies squad.

Meanwhile, Ben Foakes will miss out from the last XI as he injured his hand while batting in England’s first essay of the second Test match. Consequently, he did keep the gloves and came to bat in the lower order of the second innings.

On the other hand, Mark Wood and Keaton Jennings could get their chances. Wood may replace Sam Curran who has bagged a solitary wicket in the two Test matches thus far. However, Jack Leach and all-rounder Chris Woakes could not make the cut into England’s 12-man squad.

England’s 12-man squad: Joe Root (C), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Joe Denly, Keaton Jennings, Ben Stokes, Mark Wood.