All-rounder Ben Stokes has again been left out of England’s squad for the third Test against India at Trent Bridge starting on Saturday (August 18).
The 27-year-old played a key role in England’s 31-run victory in the series opener at Birmingham, taking four wickets in the second innings including that of the Indian skipper Virat Kohli.
However, Stokes missed the innings-and-159-run win at Lord’s because of his trial for affray, which is still ongoing.
A brief statement has been issued by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) saying that they would review Stokes s position following the conclusion of the trial, which is expected to end before the third Test starts.
“The ECB will make an assessment of Ben Stokes s availability after the trial in Bristol has concluded,” the statement said.
Fellow pace-bowling all-rounder Chris Woakes, who took Stokes’ place, starred with both bat and ball in a man of the match display at Lord’s.
Woakes made 137 not out, his maiden Test century, and also took four wickets as England overpowered India, the world’s top-ranked Test side.
England currently lead the five-match series 2-0.
All-rounder Moeen Ali and uncapped seamer Jamie Porter, overlooked for the final XI last week, retain their places in the 13-man squad.
England squad for third Test:
Joe Root (c), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Stuart Broad, Jos Buttler, Alastair Cook, Sam Curran, Keaton Jennings, Ollie Pope, Jamie Porter, Adil Rashid, Chris Woakes.
