England are expected to make up to five changes to the team that will face Australia in the final test of The Ashes.
The squad will be without wicketkeeper Jos Buttler who has already flown home after a finger injury he sustained during the drawn fourth test in Sydney.
“It’s quite a bad injury, so it’s a really disappointing shame for him and for the team but it’s part and parcel of playing Test cricket, sometimes you’ve got to take these things.
“And the way he stood up throughout the rest of the game having taken that and put in for the boys is testament to his character and how much he cares about playing for this team”, captain Joe Root said.
This means Sam Billings has been called up to replace Buttler for his debut as wicket-keeper.
Despite suffering a side strain, Ben Stokes is looking positive that he will play as a specialist batter in the series finale which is good news for England cricket fans as the all-rounder has already scored two-half centuries in Sydney.
Jonny Bairstow is an injury concern for England who had returned to form at the Sydney Cricket Ground scoring a century in the first innnings before he chipped his thumb.
With Haseeb Hameed likely to be dropped primarily due to his poor performance in the last test where he became England’s 50th duck of the year, this will make way for Rory Burns.
The last changes to the squad include a recall for Ollie Robinson in place of Jack Leach, while Chris Woakes is expected to replace the rested James Anderson.
Mark Wood is expected to retain his place despite looking weary towards the end of the Sydney Test with Robinson also returning after a rest.
Australia lead 3-0 ahead of Friday’s finale which will be held at the Blundstone Arena.
