Billings included in England squad for fifth Test against India

Sam Billings, the wicketkeeper-player, has been added to the England crew for the fifth Test against India at Edgbaston what begins on July 1. Billings filled in as the Covid substitute for Ben Foakes who tried positive during the third Test against New Zealand. Foakes griped of back solidness and couldn't keep wickets on Day 3. Afterward, he went through a test which uncovered a positive outcome and he therefore went into seclusion.

The expansion of Billings builds the England crew solidarity to 15, which in any case is equivalent to the one picked for the last Test against New Zealand. While he has been held in the crew, it is not yet clear assuming Foakes recuperates in time for the Test against India. In the mean time, James Anderson, who was refreshed for the last Test against New Zealand, is probably going to get back to the eleven.

The Test against India is an overflow from last year's series. The fifth Test, which was planned to be played in Manchester last year, must be delayed after a few instances of Covid-19 in the Indian camp. India have a Covid alarm this time as well, with Rohit Sharma testing positive during their training game against Leicestershire. While the Indian skipper is in confinement, Mayank Agarwal has been roped in as a cover.

While England clean-cleared New Zealand in the three-match Test series, they are following 1-2 against India in the yet to be finished series. Britain climbed to the seventh spot in the World Test Championship standings following their 3-0 win, while India are presently at the third spot.

England squad for fifth Test vs India: Ben Stokes (c), James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Sam Billings, Stuart Broad, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Foakes, Jack Leach, Alex Lees, Craig Overton, Jamie Overton, Matthew Potts, Ollie Pope, Joe Root.