1:03 James Anderson has admitted to feeling frustrated during England’s first Test with Pakistan but says he is not considering retiring
Woakes and Stuart Broad, averaging 15.80 and 12.09 respectively with the ball this summer, look must-picks but playing six batsmen, a wicketkeeper and leaving out Bess, would allow England to select two more pacemen and not significantly weaken the batting, with Root providing part-time spin.
Jofra Archer, who has not been as quick as we expected this summer, spoke during the first Test about how he reckoned he could be rested for the second, so Mark Wood might the fast bowler on display. With Stokes absent, Wood could be the man England look to for reverse swing as well.
Four seamers could also ensure James Anderson keeps his place after a tough first Test in which he took just one wicket and struggled for rhythm.
Uncapped Sussex seamer Ollie Robinson is at The Ageas Bowl, too, and could play if England rest their leading wicket-taker in Test cricket but still want an Anderson-type bowler, while they could also recall left-armer Sam Curran. There is much to ponder.
Watch the second #raisethebat Test between England and Pakistan, at The Ageas Bowl, live on Sky Sports Cricket from 10.30am on Thursday.
Sourse: skysports.com