There will be just eight days between the end of the series-winning victory against the West Indies in Manchester last week and the start of this campaign against Azhar Ali’s team at the same venue on Wednesday.
Do not expect many changes from the XI that beat the Windies by 269 runs last Tuesday, with man-of-the-series Stuart Broad retaining his place in the attack following his ten-wicket match haul with James Anderson likely to join him.
Jofra Archer should also keep his place, although England could be tempted to go with Mark Wood given the Durham fast bowler has not been seen since the opening Test of the summer against the West Indies in Southampton at the start of last month.
Chris Woakes, too, will also be hopeful of remaining in the team after his impressive performance last week, including a five-wicket haul that helped wrap up victory on the final day against the Windies.
England, though, may rejig the balance of their team after dropping a batsman in Zak Crawley for that previous Test after a thigh injury prevented Ben Stokes from bowling.
Stokes should be fit enough this week to resume his all-round duties. That means if Crawley returns it could be spinner Dom Bess who makes way given he didn’t bowl a single delivery last week in a match dominated by seam.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der August 02, 2020-Ausgabe von The Cricket Paper.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der August 02, 2020-Ausgabe von The Cricket Paper.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
Kohli leads RCB to much-needed win
VIRAT KOHLI returned to top form with 72 not out to lead RCB to an eight-wicket victory over the Royals in Abu Dhabi.
TEWATIA HAS SPARKED MY LOVE AFFAIR WITH THE IPL
James Wallace admits he has been surprisingly taken in by the IPL so far – and, in particular, the performance of a new Royal renegade
Whitewash victory is just the T20 tonic for Keightley
A SERIES that few thought would come to fruition ended in triumph for England who completed a 5-0 whitewash of the West Indies in Derby.
TEN OUT OF TEN! RYAN IS BASKING IN MORE GLORY
Chris Stocks catches up with Ryan ten Doeschate, who has plotted Essex’s recent county domination every step of the way
Surrey have the Will to end hoodoo
WILL Jacks may be a hot batting prospect but he’s relished the added responsibility with the ball in Surrey’s charge to T20 Finals Day.
NOW IT'S OUR TIME TO HELP OTHERS
Chris Stocks catches up with England’s director of cricket and discusses the need for the ECB to help boards around the world
IT'S OFTEN DOWN TO A THROW OF THE DICE
Garfield Robinson explains just how big a part luck plays in determining success or failure in sport
FINDING TALENTS LIKE TOM IS A GAIN IN ITSELF
One of the unexpected highlights to emerge from English cricket’s Covid-attenuated season was the chance given to young players to strut their stuff. With many overseas players and Kolpaks affected by travel restrictions many counties looked instead to the young talent on their staffs with gratifying results.
Future looks bright for the Ohio Slinger
ALI Khan is earning his stars and stripes in the Indian Premier League, with the first American to play in the tournament breaking down barriers in every sense.
Spin trio put squeeze on after Glenn shows off skill with the bat
SARAH GLENN helped England spin it to win it after proving she can make an all-round contribution.
