England captain Joe Root has confirmed that the team has decided to rest veteran pacer James Anderson for the second Test match against India, which begins on February 13 at Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium.
Apart from Anderson, Dom Bess has also been rested while Jofra Archer will have to sit out due to an injury. Another departure from the English camp is of Jos Buttler, who was only available for the first Test and will return for the limited-over series. In their places, England have included the likes of Stuart Broad, Chris Woakes, Moeen Ali, Ben Foakes and Olly Stone.
"We have made four changes. I can name the 12 at the moment. Ben Foakes, Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Stuart Broad and Olly Stone have come into the squad. It will depend on which four we play," confirmed England skipper Joe Root while speaking to the media on Friday.
Root has also explained how difficult was it for the team to leave out Bess. "He has taken that on board and I am sure he will be disappointed, but that is what you expect from players who really care," said Root.
It was widely expected that Jonny Bairstow will take the wicket-keeping responsibility in absence of Buttler, but Root has confirmed that Ben Foakes will be the designated wicket-keeper for England.
"Bairstow will be available as a pure batsman...We are hoping that Archer can rest and be fit for the third Test (in Ahmedabad)," said Root.
England Squad for 2nd Test: Joe Root, Rory Burns, Dom Sibley, Daniel Lawrence, Ben Stokes, Ollie Pope, Moeen Ali, Jack Leach, Stuart Broad, Chris Woakes, Ben Foakes and Olly Stone.
Feature image courtesy: Twitter / @englandcricket
