ENG vs WI: No place for Mark Wood! England’s best playing XI for the Nottingham Test

The second Test between England and the West Indies is set to commence on Thursday (July 18), at Trent Bridge in Nottingham. This match follow England’s dominant performance in the series opener at Lord’s, where they secured a comprehensive victory by an innings and 114 runs.

James Anderson’s retirement

England’s cricketing landscape witnessed a significant change as veteran pacer James Anderson announced his retirement from international cricket after the victory at Lord’s. His departure mark the end of an illustrious career, leaving a substantial legacy in English cricket.

Fast bowler Mark Wood has been brought into the squad as a replacement for Anderson. Wood’s last appearance in Test cricket was during the Dharamsala Test against India in March. His return is anticipated to bolster England’s pace attack for the upcoming matches.

Victory at Lord’s for England over the West Indies

The first Test at Lord’s saw England completely dominate the West Indies. Debutant Gus Atkinson stole the spotlight by taking an impressive 12 wickets across both innings, earning him the Player of the Match award. England’s comprehensive win has set a strong foundation for the series, and they will be keen to maintain their momentum at Trent Bridge.

Also WATCH: When Virat Kohli recalled childhood admiration for England veteran James Anderson

England’s top-choice playing XI for the 2nd Test against West Indies in Nottingham:

1. Zak Crawley: A top-order batter known for his aggressive stroke play and ability to build big innings. Crawley has a knack for scoring quickly and putting the opposition under pressure early.
2. Ben Duckett: A versatile left-handed batter who can play both aggressive and steady innings. Duckett’s adaptability makes him a crucial part of the top order, especially against varied bowling attacks.
3. Ollie Pope: A middle-order batter with a classical technique and the ability to score runs consistently. Pope is known for his elegant stroke play and ability to handle both pace and spin effectively.
4. Joe Root: England’s most experienced and reliable batter, known for his prolific run-scoring and leadership qualities. Root’s ability to anchor the innings and score big centuries is vital for England’s success. He is also an all-rounder who can bowl effective spin overs and break partnerships.
5. Harry Brook: A young and talented batter who has shown great promise with his aggressive batting style. Brook’s fearless approach can change the course of a game in a short span.
6. Ben Stokes: The dynamic all-rounder and team captain, known for his match-winning abilities with both bat and ball. Stokes’ leadership and experience make him a pivotal figure in the team.
7. Jamie Smith: A wicketkeeper-batter who has impressed with his performances in domestic cricket. Smith’s ability to contribute valuable runs lower down the order adds depth to the batting lineup.
8. Chris Woakes: An all-rounder who provides crucial balance to the team with his dependable batting and effective seam bowling. Woakes’ ability to swing the ball makes him a potent threat in English conditions.
9. Gus Atkinson: A promising fast bowler known for his pace and ability to generate bounce. Atkinson’s raw pace can trouble even the best of batters.
10. Shoaib Bashir: A talented spinner who has shown great potential with his accurate and crafty bowling. Bashir’s variations and ability to exploit dry conditions can be crucial in Nottingham.
11. Matthew Potts: A young fast bowler with impressive performances in domestic cricket. Potts’ ability to bowl long spells and maintain pressure on the batters makes him a valuable asset.

Also READ: England remain at the bottom spot in WTC standings despite big win over West Indies; India maintain top position