England captain Joe Root confirmed rookie batsman Ollie Pope will make his debut against India in the second Test starting at the Lord's on Thursday. Root announced that Surrey batsman Pope will receive his first cap batting at No. 4, replacing Dawid Malan from the side that won the first game by 31 runs at Edgbaston last week.
Seamer Jamie Porter misses out from the initial 13-man squad, while one among Moeen Ali or Chris Woakes will replace Ben Stokes.
England's permutations are far simpler. Dawid Malan is dropped and Ben Stokes is unavailable due to his on-going court case for affray. In that light, Joe Root only has to decide if he wants two spinners or not.
Moeen Ali will walk into the side and take up one of those vacant spots. Three pacers James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Sam Curran should be enough for England on a dry, spin-friendly wicket.
The greater concern for the hosts is their recent record at the 'Home of Cricket'.
Going back to India's last visit, England have only won three out of their last nine Tests at this hallowed ground.
England 12-man squad: Joe Root (C), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow (w), Stuart Broad, Jos Buttler, Alastair Cook, Sam Curran, Keaton Jennings, Ollie Pope, Adil Rashid, Chris Woakes.
