Manchester 24 August : Fast-bowler Ollie Robinson has been replaced by his fellow pacer Matthew Potts in England’s only change in their team to play the second test against South Africa at Old Trafford beginning on Thursday.Robinson was recalled to England’s playing eleven following taking part in the fifth and last Ashes Test against Australia in Hobart in January this year.Following the match, he missed England’s Test matches against West Indies, New Zealand and India due to health issues which are mostly due to his back, apart from having positive tests for Covid-19.
Sussex’s county side played in the recent County Championship match against Nottinghamshire last week, Robinson took nine wickets and showed indications of returning to the best of his abilities.He also impressed the head coach of red-ball Brendon McCullum when he took five wickets for the England Lions in the tour match against South Africa at Canterbury.
Robinson has had a stunning beginning of his Test career after his debut in 2021.He took 39 wickets in nine Tests, with an average of 21.28.Apart from the Robinson-Potts switch, the in-form right-handed opener Zak Crawley is still in the eleven players with the hosts hoping to level the playing field in the series of three matches.
The current Test series is element of the ICC World Test Championship cycle.
South Africa, who are currently top of the table will be looking to extend their winning streak to move closer to a spot in the WTC finals next year.England in contrast, is seventh in the rankings.
England The XI of the second Test is: Zak Crawley, Alex Lees, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes (captain), Ben Foakes (wicketkeeper), Stuart Broad, Jack Leach, Ollie Robinson and James Anderson.
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