The premier pace bowler James Anderson, all-rounder Ben Stokes and leg-spinner Adil Rashid were added to an expanded 14-man squad for Friday’s second Test against Pakistan at Old Trafford by England.

All three of them did not take part in England’s 75-run defeat by Pakistan in the first of a four-match series at Lord’s.

Both Anderson and Stokes have passed the fitness test, following their respective shoulder and knee injuries. Everyone knows that Anderson is Englandas all time wicket-taker and he is needed in the match. Whereas, Rashid is yet to play a home Test and could be featured as a back-up or an alternative to Moeen Ali. The Off-break bowler had faced brutal treatment by Pakistanas batsmen at Lordas.

James Anderson and Ben Stokes
James Anderson and Ben Stokes

The ongoing County Championship match between Lancashire and Durham at Southport, near Liverpool was played by Anderson and Stokes which helped them demonstrate their fitness.

Despite a lowly average of under 19 after four Tests, Hampshire batsman James Vince was retained.
Nottinghamshire pace man Jake Ball made his Test debut at Lord’s and tightness in the left thigh has been reported by him. He will be assessed by England’s medical staff.

In the absence of Anderson and Stokes, Toby Roland-Jones, included in the original 12-man squad for the first Test, was left out.AThe second-string England Lions will now be joined by The Middlesex quick for their one-day tri-series against Pakistan and Sri Lanka’s A teams.

“Both Anderson and Stokes, currently playing against each other in the Specsavers County Championship at Southport, have come through the first innings of the match without any issues in respect of their recent injuries,” reported an England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) official in his statement.

“Anderson has recovered from a stress fracture of his right shoulder and bowled 22 overs in the match, taking three wickets for 58 runs.A”Stokes, who has not played Test cricket since England’s victory over Sri Lanka at Headingley in May, has fully recovered from surgery to address a cartilage tear in his left knee,a? he added.

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