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England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), on Wednesday, announced their men’s team playing XI for the upcoming second Test against South Africa, starting August 25 in Manchester. After winning the opening Test by an innings and 12 runs, the Proteas are leading the ongoing three-match series 1-0.
Fast bowler Ollie Robinson has returned to England’s XI and will replace pacer Matty Potts. Robinson will make his first appearance in the whites since the fifth Ashes Test in January at Hobart. The 28-year-old seamer could not make it to the West Indies series in March because of back issues. Then he met Covid-19 and dealt with some dental issues, which further kept him out of action.
However, he made a comeback at the end of July for Sussex, taking match figures of 9 for 110 against Nottinghamshire, and also had a decent outing for the Lions against South Africa, taking 2 for 76 and 3 for 29 to solidify his chances for an international comeback.
Speaking at the press conference in Manchester on Wednesday, England skipper Ben Stokes said that Robinson has the ability to produce extra bounce, and the track at Old Trafford will suit him.
“When you look at what Ollie possesses as a bowler, one of his real key assets is how much extra bounce he gets compared to other bowlers in our squad. We think here at Old Trafford, with it being a slightly quicker wicket than other grounds we play at, it obviously offers a lot more bounce,” said Stokes.
England’s playing XI for Manchester Test:
Zak Crawley, Alex Lees, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes, Ben Foakes, Stuart Broad, Jack Leach, Ollie Robinson, James Anderson.
