England have selected an unchanged squad for the final Test of the series against the West Indies at Edgbaston.
Ben Stokes’ side defeated their opponents by 241 runs at Trent Bridge last week to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
England have opted to field the same line-up as in that match, meaning fast bowler Mark Wood will feature after returning to the Test squad in Nottingham as they aim to secure a consecutive series win against the West Indies in Birmingham. The match begins on Friday 26 July and will be broadcast live. Sky Sports.
“We were 2-0 up and the whole team was performing really well so it was an easy decision to go ahead with the same line-up,” Stokes said. “We want to close out the series and hopefully win it 3-0.”
“After every Test I always communicate with my bowlers and act on what they say and what they feel. [Mark Wood] We’re ready, we’re fired up, and we’re ready to go again.”
Wood returned to the team at Trent Bridge and bowled a series of deliveries at over 90mph, including the fastest over in England since records began being collected in 2006.
However, he was forced to leave the field for brief treatment and there were rumours he might be rested for the third Test, with Matthew Potts or uncapped Dillon Pennington possibly playing in his place.
However, while neither will play in the final match of the West Indies tour, Stokes expects to get an opportunity to play in the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka.
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Mark Wood bowled the fastest over by an Englishman since records began on the second day of the second Test at Trent Bridge.
“I think after six Test matches it’s going to happen naturally,” Stokes said. “Fast bowlers are very difficult to beat so I think at some point it’s natural that there will be changes in the line-up.”
“It’s tough not being able to play. I think it’s great for Pozzi and Dillon to be on the team.”
“Pozzi had a great first time out in 2022 and now he’s out again, while Dillon is out for the first time.
“They’ve worked incredibly hard, so if the opportunity arises for either of them, they’ll be ready to act.”
England vs West Indies Test series
Watch live coverage from Edgbaston of the first day of the Third Test between England and the West Indies. Sky Sports Cricket Starting at 10am on Friday (first ball is thrown at 11am).
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