India vs England, 5th Test: James Anderson Returns As ECB Announces Playing XI

IND vs ENG: Wicketkeeper Sam Billings, and veteran fast bowler James Anderson has been given a chance in the newly announced playing-11.

England's James Anderson prepares to bowl on the first day of the second Test cricket match between England and New Zealand (Source: File Photo/AFP)

New Delhi: England Cricket Board on Thursday has announced their playing XI for the rescheduled fifth Test against India that begins at Edgbaston on Friday. England's veteran player James Anderson, who was ruled out of the third Test against New Zealand, returned to the playing XI for the series decider. The English team, which recently made a clean sweep of New Zealand 3-0 in Tests on their soil, is in tremendous form. 

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Therefore, to win the final match of the series, the England team will put all its efforts. However, before the match, let's take a look at the playing XI of the English team, with which they will go against India.

Ben Stokes has expressed confidence in Zak Crawley and Alex Lee as openers for England against India. Both these players had played the role of openers in the recently concluded three-match Test series against New Zealand. Alex performed brilliantly and made his claim in the Test squad against India.

At the same time, the performance of Crawley has not been much special. But, it is expected that both these batsmen will take advantage of their soil against Team India and try to give a better start.

Wicketkeepers Ben Foakes and Jamie Overton, who played the last Test, have been dropped. Wicketkeeper Sam Billings, and veteran fast bowler James Anderson have been given a chance in the newly announced playing-11.

The responsibility of the middle order for England has been given to Jonny Bairstow along with former captain Joe Root. Both these batsmen are in good form. At the same time, along with these two, Ollie Pope also has a big responsibility of the middle order. Pope has made a good impression after scoring his century against New Zealand. Therefore, he has been included in the playing XI.

In 2021, due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the 5th and final Test of the series at Edgbaston was postponed, which will now be played from July 1. At present, there have been four Tests of the series, in which the Indian team has maintained a 2-1 lead.

England XI for 5th Test vs India: Alex Lees, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes (c), Sam Billings (wk), Matthew Potts, Stuart Broad, Jack Leach, James Anderson