Experienced wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler and left-arm spinner Jack Leach returned to England’s 16-man squad announced on Tuesday for the fifth and final Test against India at Old Trafford, Manchester. With an aim to level the five-match series, England will be hoping to repeat their similar performance to the one at Headingley where they won by an innings against India. The hosts trail 2-1 after their 157-run defeat at the Oval ahead of Friday’s decider at Old Trafford but head coach Chris Silverwood has made only minor alterations to his squad.
The 30-year-old Buttler had missed the fourth Test due to the birth of his second child. “Batsman Sam Billings, who was included in the fourth Test squad, has returned to Kent,” the ECB said in a statement.
England, who have not lost a Test series to India at home since 2007, are under pressure to save the five-match rubber.
There is a good chance that pacer Mark Woods will return to the playing eleven in place of James Anderson, who could be rested after featuring in four games.
