For the Ranchi Test, No. Mark Wood, Shoaib Bashir returns to England, playing XI
England has announced their playing XI for the highly anticipated fourth Test against India in Ranchi, starting on Friday. The visitors have opted for two changes, bolstering their bowling attack with the inclusion of young pacer Shoaib Bashir and experienced all-rounder Ollie Robinson.
The most notable change sees express fast bowler Mark Wood miss out. While no official reason has been given, Wood might be rested considering the workload he has shouldered throughout the series and the upcoming five-match Test against Australia in the Ashes.
Replacing Wood is 22-year-old Shoaib Bashir, who impressed in the County Championship last season. His pace and swing could prove lethal on the Ranchi pitch, known for its assistance to fast bowlers.
The other change sees Ollie Robinson return to the side after missing the previous test. His experience and ability to extract seam movement could be valuable on a pitch expected to offer bounce and lateral deviation.
England Playing XI
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes (C), Ben Foakes, Tom Hartley, Ollie Robinson, James Anderson, and Shoaib Bashir