Xtra Time Web Desk: England fast bowler Stuart Broad is ruled out of the second test against India at Lords starting from Thursday. James Anderson too is not hundred percent fit. Both Anderson and Broad sat out for Tuesday’s net session. Broad is troubled with his calf and will undergo a scan on Wednesday – ruling him out of the match.
Anderson is also at risk of missing the match after suffering a slight quad injury. The 39-year-old has not bowled in the nets for two days and is said to have 50-50 chance of playing at Lord’s. A final call will be taken ahead of the toss on Thursday.
Lancashire seamer Saqib Mahmood, who impressed in England’s recent one-day and T20 series wins over Pakistan, was called up as squad cover earlier on Wednesday. Mahmood is the second player to join up with the group in recent days after Moeen Ali, who was recalled to the Test squad for the first time in six months on Tuesday.
If Anderson too is not available then the hosts might include fast bowler Mark Wood in the playing XI. The home team can make a few more changes in the squad from the one that played at Trent Bridge. Young opener Haseeb Hameed has a good chance of playing. He made his debut against India in India during the 2006 series. Ollie Pope is also in the running provided he is declared fit.
England playing XI (likely): Rory Burns, Dom Sibley/Haseeb Hameed, Zak Crawley, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Dan Lawrence/Ollie Pope, Jos Buttler, Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, Ollie Robinson, James Anderson/Mark Wood