Buttler and Leach may return for final hurrah
James won’t want to miss any cricket but we have to look after him
JOS BUTTLER and Jack Leach are back in the frame for England as they seek a winning formula to avoid back-to-back Test series defeats on home soil.
Both are in with a real shout of facing India at Old Trafford, where the final Test of the summer kicks off on Friday, while boss Chris Silverwood needs to decide if attack leader James Anderson can take one more crack at the tourists.
Vice-captain Buttler missed the fourth Test due to the arrival of his second child but looks set to reclaim the wicketkeeping gloves from Jonny Bairstow, who is likely to be vying with Ollie Pope for the final specialist batting spot and may well lose his place.
Leach may finally get his chance, having been overlooked all summer after a breakthrough winter in India and Sri Lanka.
England trail 2-1 after last week’s 157-run defeat at the Oval, having already been beaten by New Zealand this summer, and while alterations to Silverwood’s squad are minimal, the balance of the side could change.
With the Manchester surface renowned as a turning track, Leach could share spinning duties with Moeen Ali.
Silverwood and captain Joe Root must make a judgement call on whether veteran Anderson (right) and fellow seamer Ollie Robinson – ever-presents in the series with more than 160 overs apiece under their belts – are good to go again.
‘I think they have been exceptional. I’m proud of the way they have contributed to the games, the way they have gone about their business and the effort they have put in for the team,’ said Silverwood. ‘But it is something we have got to keep an eye on.’ Anderson’s speed did not dip as obviously as Robinson’s at the Oval but he has been less of a threat in the second innings and, at the age of 39, he remains a vital asset and a key part of this winter’s Ashes plans.
His next big injury could easily be his last and England must balance that with the obvious attraction of unleashing him at a ground he knows so well that one of the ends is named after him.
‘James knows his own body, so it will be a discussion we’ll have,’ said Silverwood. ‘He will certainly give me an honest opinion. He won’t want to miss any cricket but we have to look after him.’
Paceman Mark Wood looks set to return, pending final checks on his shoulder injury, probably in place of Craig Overton.