Curran, Ali return as England announce team for fourth Test against India

ECB has roped in Sam Curran and Moeen Ali in the team for the fourth Test against India to resolve their injury and lack of form issues. The team management announced their playing XI on England and Wales cricket board’s website and soon a dedicated tweet appeared too.

? BREAKING NEWS ?

We have named our team for the fourth Specsavers Test against India.

➡️ https://t.co/U8gh6A4D9m pic.twitter.com/UuqWNAYdbk

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 29, 2018

Sam Curran who played a key role in England’s close victory against India in the first Test was dropped for the third Test. This decision drew a lot of criticism from the fans and former cricketers as England was demolished by the visitors in the third Test. Learning from his mistake, Joe Root has called back Curran who will play as the third seamer in the playing XI.

Chris Woakes, the man-of-the-match of the second Test has injured his thigh and this development has, in fact, helped the team management to fit in Curran in the playing XI.

The other significant highlight of the team is the return of Moeen Ali. Adil Rashid who is so far playing the role of the sole spinner in the team has failed to produce a significant performance and Moeen’s selection in the team strengthen’s England’s spin department for the fourth Test which begins on August 30.

Moeen has been in terrific touch recently and has scored a double hundred and a hundred in his last three innings. These runs have pushed him in the squad and he will play in the middle order to add depth to the batting.

Jonny Bairstow is also included in the team which comes as a big relief for the England team management as Bairstow had injured the middle finger of his left hand during the third Test. Although Bairstow has recovered from the injury, ECB has stated that he will play in the team as a specialist batsman while Jos Butler will don the wicket-keeper’s gloves.

The England team for the fourth Test- Joe Root, Alastair Cook. Keaton Jennings, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes, Jos Butler (wk), Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, Adil Rashid, Stuart Broad, James Anderson.