After losing to Pakistan in the first Test against England at Lord's, the home team have strengthened their squad for the second match. The England selectors have included James Anderson, Ben Stokes and Adil Rashid for the second Test, which is scheduled for Friday. Toby Roland-Jones has been left out.
Anderson (shoulder) and Stokes (knee) were ruled out of the first Test due to injuries, but they are now fit and fine to represent England. Both the players played in the County Championship, proving their fitness.
Opening bowler Stuart Broad will be pleased with the return of Anderson, who is one of the best new ball bowlers, when there is movement on offer. If the duo gets their line and length right against Pakistan in the second Test, they can pose serious problems to the visitors' batsmen.
Anderson, in all probability, will replace Jake Ball, who picked up just one in the first Test. But, it will be interesting to see the team composition in the next match, with Stokes and Rashid also in the squad.
Moeen Ali and Steven Finn could be the two players, who might have to give up their playing XI roles in the England team for Rashid and Stokes respectively. The leg-spinner looked quite decent in the last Test series between Pakistan and England, picking up eight wickets.
Irrespective of the players picked for the second Test, England have to come up with a better performance in Manchester against Pakistan, who must be high on confidence after their brilliant win in the first Test. Besides Chris Woakes' impressive 11-wicket haul, there was nothing much to write for England at Lord's, and they need all their players to contribute in the second Test.
England squad for second Test: Alastair Cook (c), Alex Hales, Joe Root, James Vince, Gary Ballance, Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow (w), Moeen Ali, Adil Rashid, Chris Woakes, Stuart Broad, James Anderson, Steven Finn, Jake Ball.
