ENG vs SA: A determined England team will be looking for retribution when they play South Africa in the second Test. It begins at Old Trafford, Manchester, on Thursday, August 25. England suffered a humbling innings defeat in the first Test match. A day before the game, the hosts had already selected their starting lineup. Only one change has been made by the Three Lions.
The playing XI for England features almost all of the players that took part in the series opener. The only exception is big pacer Ollie Robinson, who replaces Matthew Potts in the bowling attack. James Anderson and Stuart Broad, a seasoned team, will lead the pace attack. The spin section will be handled by Jack Leach
The top-ranked Test batsman Joe Root, Alex Lees and Zak Crawley would be anticipated to offer strong beginnings in the batting department. Root had a disappointing outing in the previous game, and would be aiming to roar back to form. In the middle order, Jonny Bairstow and captain Ben Stokes are anticipated to assume more responsibility.
The Dean Elgar-led team would now be seeking to seal the series by coming out on top in the Manchester game. This is after displaying brave intent in the first Test match. South Africa put an end to the ‘Bazball’ supremacy. Which had been making headlines over the previous few months, with a massive victory by an innings and 12 runs.
The Three Lions had won each of their previous four home Test matches. This happened since Ben Stokes and red-ball coach Brendon McCullum took over before that match. The Proteas are now ranked first in the ICC WTC Rankings. They will want to maintain their position atop the list with a strong showing in the second Test.
ENG vs SA England’s Playing XI for the second Test: Alex Lees, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes (c), Ben Foakes (wk), Ollie Robinson, Jack Leach, Stuart Broad, James Anderson.
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