Top-order batsman James Vince has been added to the England squad for the fourth Test versus India, starting from August 30 at The Rose Bowl in Southampton.
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Vince, who failed to make the squad for any of the first three Tests, is likely to provide cover for Jonny Bairstow, who fractured his right middle finger during the third Test at Trent Bridge.
“England National Cricket Selectors have named a 14-man squad for the fourth Specsavers Test match against India at Ageas Bowl starting on Thursday August 30.
“Hampshire batsman James Vince has been added to the squad. The 27-year-old right-hander last played for England in Christchurch in April against New Zealand, has been in excellent form in the Specsavers County Championship. The Hampshire captain averages 56 in Division One this summer and made scores of 74 and 147 for his county in their win against Nottinghamshire at the Ageas Bowl this week,” said a statement from the England and Wales Cricket Board.
Vince, who is likely to play the fourth Test if Bairstow fails to recover in time, replaced Jamie Porter in the 14-man squad for the home side.
“The selection panel felt this was the right time to reintroduce James Vince to the Test squad. James will provide cover in case Jonny Bairstow’s fractured finger prevents him playing in the fourth Test match.
“James returns to the England set-up in confident form and scoring runs. He has been in excellent form for Hampshire in the Specsavers County Championship, with 847 runs at 56.46, including 74 and 147 this week – runs that shaped Hampshire’s win against Nottinghamshire. James’ match-winning runs also helped Hampshire to win the Royal London Cup earlier this summer.
“Jamie Porter has been part of the last three Test squads. But the selection panel did not want him to miss the opportunity of playing for Essex in the next round of championship matches. He will return to the squad in the event of an injury to a seam bowler,” said national selector Ed Smith.
Bairstow sustained a minor fracture to his left middle finger during India’s second innings of the third Test at Trent Bridge on Monday.
Bairsotw failed to collect a James Anderson delivery in the 44th over and walked out in pain.
Jos Buttler took over wicketkeeping duties for England but it was not yet clear whether Bairstow would bat in England’s second innings.
However, Bairstow did come out to bat in the second innings as England looked to save the Test match but was bowled first ball by Jasprit Bumrah on day four of the Test match.
Buttler is likely to continue with the wicket-keeping duties if Bairstow fails to recover in time for the penultimate Test.
England squad: Joe Root (C), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Jos Buttler (WK), Alastair Cook, Sam Curran, Keaton Jennings, Ollie Pope, Adil Rashid, Ben Stokes, James Vince, Chris Woakes
