ENG vs IND: England announce unchanged playing XI for final Test

Jonny Bairstow has recovered from the finger injury and will keep the wickets in the final Test

England announced their playing XI for the fifth and the final Test against India, starting from Friday at the Oval in London. English skipper Joe Root has named an unchanged squad for the last Test which will mark the last international match for Alastair Cook.

Regular wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow has been declared fit to play his role behind the stumps. He has recovered from the broken finger and will release Buttler form this role.

Following his magical spell in Southampton, Moeen Ali has successfully retained his position for the last Test. Surprisingly; he is likely to bat at number 3 position in the batting order.

TEAM ANNOUNCED FOR FIFTH TEST

https://t.co/b8wDuIJY0a#EngvInd pic.twitter.com/IUC7RiNudp

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) September 6, 2018

Here’s the squad:

Alastair Cook, Keaton Jennings, Moeen Ali, Joe Root (c), Jonny Bairstow (w), Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Adil Rashid, Stuart Broad, Jimmy Anderson.

Former skipper and opener Alastair Cook will play in his 161st and final Test after announcing his retirement from international cricket. This match will be his 159^th game on the trot he would play for England.

The Three Lions have already secured the series victory and lead 3-1 heading into the final Test of the summer following the victory last week at the Ageas Bowl.