England have announced their playing XI for the rescheduled fifth Test against India, starting from July 1. The match will be played at Edgbaston, Birmingham. James Anderson, who was rested for the third and final Test against New Zealand, is making a comeback into the XI. He will replace Jamie Overton and will probably spearhead England’s pace attack alongside Stuart Broad.
Meanwhile, Sam Billings also got a place in the XI ahead of Ben Foakes who was tested COVID-19 positive during the third Test against New Zealand.
India currently lead the five-match series 2-1.
India were a dominant side when they visited England last year as they claimed 20 wickets in three matches to put pressure on the hosts. However, the dynamics have completely changed in both camps since last time as both teams have got new captains in Ben Stokes and Rohit Sharma along with new head coaches in Rahul Dravid and Brendon McCullum.
The Indian team have assembled in England for slightly over a three-week long tour, during which the team will play the suspended Test, followed by three T20Is and the same number of 50-over matches.
Under Stokes and McCullum, England have started playing an attacking brand of cricket as they completed a 3-0 series whitewash against New Zealand after winning the third and final Test by seven wickets.
