India vs England: England Playing XI announced for Edgbaston Test

The hosts have confirmed their combination for the second Test against India, scheduled to kick off on July 2 at Edgbaston, Birmingham. The England Playing XI for the second India vs England Test is the same as that of the Headingley Test. Led by Ben Stokes, England beat the visitors by 5 wickets in the opening Test in Leeds. Despite India piling as many as five centuries in the series opener, the hosts breezed past the toothless bowling attack to chase down 371 with 5 wickets in hand. With a 1-0 lead in the five-match home series, England has shown confidence in the same combination for the next fixture.

Jofra Archer left out of England Playing XI for the second India vs England Test

England announced the Playing XI for the Edgbaston Test two days before the fixture goes on floor on Wednesday. Interestingly, the management has not rushed the participation of Jofra Archer. Jofra Archer was previously named in the England squad for the second Test. The series marks Archer's return to the format after an extended injury-marred hiatus. Before being called into the squad, Archer played a county fixture for Sussex where he scalped one wicket.

England's playing XI for 2nd Test against India:

Zak Crawley
Ben Duckett
Ollie Pope
Joe Root
Harry Brook
Ben Stokes (C)
⁠Jamie Smith (WK)
Chris Woakes
Brydon Carse
Josh Tongue
Shoaib Bashir#OneTurfNews #ENGvsIND #PlayingXI #Cricket

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However, the pacer has been kept out of the proceedings for the Test in Birmingham. Earlier, the ECB Managing Director, Rob Key, confirmed that Archer would likely go back to the County Championship and play the last two games for Sussex. Moreover, Key had also confirmed that Archer would play either of the next two Tests. With Archer not named in the England Playing XI for the match at Edgbaston, he is set to make his much-awaited Test return during the third Test at Lord's.

England Playing XI for the second India vs England Test

Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (C), Jamie Smith (WK), Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir