Ben Stokes has announced James Anderson will return to the team in place of Jamie Overton for England’s rearranged final Test against India, starting on Friday.
The England skipper also confirmed Ben Foakes remains out as he continues to recover from Covid, meaning Kent’s Sam Billings keeps his place behind the stumps.
Stokes also offered his backing to opener Zak Crawley after the Kent man endured a difficult time against New Zealand’s bowling attack, managing four single-digit scores between knocks of 43 and 25.
“When we picked the squad before we’d even played a Test match the squad was picked on the basis that every player in every position is the best player in England to carry us forward in the way we want to,” said Stokes.
“This team and this squad is going to be given a lot of time to perform. Zak Crawley is still in my plans, Brendan’s plans going forward to make this happen. Regardless (of what happens against India).”