'Wood OUT, Bashir IN': England Announce Playing 11 For IND vs ENG 4th Test In Ranchi

England opted for two changes as they named their playing 11 for the high-octane IND vs ENG 4th Test in Ranchi.

Ben Stokes & Co. have opted for two changes for IND vs ENG 4th Test match in Ranchi. ( Image Source :Getty Images )

England Playing 11 for IND vs ENG 4th Test: England cricket team, on Thursday (February 22), announced their playing 11 for the highly anticipated IND vs ENG 4th Test match in Ranchi, starting from Friday (February 23) onwards. Ben Stokes & Co. have opted for two changes. Mark Wood and Rehan Ahmed have been omitted from England playing 11 for Ranchi Test, while all-rounder Ollie Robinson and spinner Shoaib Bashir have been named as their replacements. The visiting side are set to field a bowling lineup consisting of two pacers and three spinners. 

There were speculations that Jonny Bairstow might be dropped from the team for Ranchi Test, with the possibility of an additional spinner or Dan Lawrence taking his place. However, despite his recent struggles in three consecutive matches against India,  the team management have opted to maintain their trust in the experienced batter.  

We have named our XI for the fourth Test in Ranchi! 🏏 👇

🇮🇳 #INDvENG 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 #EnglandCricket

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) February 22, 2024

The most significant change in England playing 11 sees absence of star pacer Mark Wood, who was the star performer for his team in the previous Test in Rajkot. England Cricket Board (ECB) didn't give an official reason behind Wood's omission but speculations suggest that the fast bowler might be rested, considering the workload he has endured throughout IND vs ENG Test series and the impending five-match Test against Australia in the Ashes. 

With England aiming to recover from a shambolic loss in Rajkot and India seeking to seal the five-match IND vs ENG Test series 3-1, the upcoming IND vs ENG 4th Test in Ranchi is poised to deliver an intense battle between the two cricketing giants. 

England's playing 11 for IND vs ENG 4th Test in Ranchi: Zack Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes (c), Ben Foakes (wk), Tom Hartley, Ollie Robinson, James Anderson and Shoaib Bashir.