England vs West Indies: Jofra Archer, James Anderson and Mark Wood return for third Test

England vs West Indies: Jofra Archer, James Anderson and Mark Wood return for third Test

Jofra Archer has been named in the England Squad for the third Test match, as James Anderson and Mark Wood are recalled too for the Test series decider against West Indies at Old Trafford, announced the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Thursday.

Jofra Archer missed the second Test after he breached the social distancing and bio-security protocol set due to COVID-19, while James Anderson and Mark Wood were rested. Despite Archer’s absence and rain halting a day’s play, England won the Test by 113 runs at Old Trafford levelling the series.

The England captain Joe Root is positive that Jofra Archer would be ready to play the third against the West Indies but was doubtful over Ben Stokes ability to bowl. Root mentioned that Archer had been fired up in the nets and is in good spirits for the third test. Root informed in the Press Conference on Thursday that though Stokes would play, he would not be able to contribute with the ball.

Stokes is grappled with a quadriceps injury after his heroic efforts that helped England win the second test and would be assessed before Friday’s start of play. However, Root claims that there would be no chance of him missing the match, but any of his ability to bowl would influence the team selection. “We’ll see how he is in the morning but if you look at our squad we’ve got a lot of brilliant options to choose from. Whatever combination we go with is obviously capable of taking 20 wickets,” said the England Captain.

Archer’s participation in the third test was in doubt after he admitted that he was mentally struggling after being racially abused on social media for having to spend five days in isolation following his breaching of the social distancing protocol. Root called out at the racist abuse faced by Archer on social media and called it ‘disgusting’. “But it was disgusting, actually, to see some of the abuse he’s had to put up with over the last week,” said Root.

Enjoyed reading The Bridge Chronicle?
Your support motivates us to do better. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay updated with the latest stories.
You can also read on the go with our Android and iOS mobile app.

Related Stories

No stories found.
logo
The Bridge Chronicle
www.thebridgechronicle.com