Ben Stokes, who picked six wickets in the first Test, is trying to clear his name in court after being charged with affray following a brawl in September 2017.
England's bowler Ben Stokes (C) (Photo: AFP)
England cricket team on Sunday (5 August) announced the 13-member squad for the second Test match at Lord’s starting on Thursday (9 August). In the English squad, Dawid Malan has been axed giving way for young batsman Ollie Pope.
All-rounder Ben Stokes, who impressed with the bowl in 1st Test, has been replaced by Chris Woakes. Ben Stokes will miss the second Test because of his court hearing this week in Bristol, according to a statement.
Surrey’s 20-year-old middle-order batsman Ollie Pope has impressed the selectors with his performance. He has scored 684 runs in the Championship, at an average of 85.50, which includes three centuries. Pope’s highest score of 158 not out.
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Speaking about Pope’s selection, ECB National Selector Ed Smith said, “Ollie Pope has made an exceptional start to his first-class career. He has reached a 1000 first-class runs in just 15 matches and is the first division’s stand-out batsman this season with 684 runs at 85. The selection panel believes that Ollie’s performances and character suggest he is well suited to international cricket.”
“Dawid Malan drops out of the squad for Lord’s. Dawid has not found his best rhythm this season, and it may be that his game is better suited to overseas conditions,” Smith added.
Ben Stokes, who picked six wickets in the first Test, is trying to clear his name in court after being charged with affray following a brawl in September 2017.
“Ben Stokes is unavailable, but Chris Woakes, with some extra matches and practices under his belt, can now return to the England squad after injury,” Smith concluded.
England Squad: Joe Root (c), Moeen Ali, Jimmy Anderson, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Stuart Broad, Jos Buttler, Alastair Cook, Sam Curran, Keaton Jennings, Ollie Pope, Jamie Porter, Adil Rashid, Chris Woakes
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