Pataudi Trophy 2021, 5th Test: England recalls Jos Buttler, Jack Leach to the squad

England is trailing 1-2 in the five-Test series for the Pataudi Trophy against India. Meanwhile, the host has decided to recall Jos Buttler and Jack Leach to the side after missing out on the fourth Test.

England faced the wrath of the Indians after it succumbed to a 157-run defeat in the fourth Test of the Pataudi Trophy at The Oval in London. While it is trailing again in the five-Test series 1-2, it is desperate to win the final Test at Old Trafford in Manchester from Friday.

Meanwhile, as per ESPNCricinfo, England has made a couple of changes to its squad ahead of the final Test. The pair of wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler and spinner Jack Leach has been recalled to the side.

Buttler missed the fourth Test for personal reasons, being on paternity leave, while Sam Billings, who filled in for the former, will return to Kent. Meanwhile, Leach would be playing his first Test since England's defeat innings defeat in Ahmedabad in March.

England also faces a dilemma in its bowling selection, with James Anderson, Chris Woakes and Ollie Robinson looking tired, having already bowled almost 150 overs in the series. In the meantime, pacer Craig Overton looks doubtful, having been hit on his elbow while batting off a Umesh Yadav delivery, which dismissed him on the fourth Test's final day, although he has been included in the squad.

Also, with seamer Mark Wood returning from his shoulder niggle, along with all-rounder Sam Curran, England can decide to go ahead with a couple of spinners in Manchester. Wood seems to have recovered from his injury and has been practising following the conclusion of the third Test, while head coach Chris Silverwood has confirmed that he would be in contention to make it to the playing XI.

England squad for final Test: Joe Root (c), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow(wk), Rory Burns (wk), Jos Buttler (wk), Sam Curran, Haseeb Hameed, Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Dawid Malan, Craig Overton, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Chris Woakes and Mark Wood

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