ENG vs IND: Joe Root hints at changes to the XI for Lord's Test after Moeen Ali's inclusion in the squad

In the first Test between England and India, the batting lineup of the hosts came under scrutiny for getting wrapped up at just 183 in the first innings. In the second innings, however, Joe Root took the mantle as England put 303 on board. Ahead of the second Test now, both Root and Chris Silverwood have hinted at certain changes in their line-up. Moeen Ali has been added to the squad and it is likely that he might make it to the squad for the second Test.

Moeen Ali, who was leading the Birmingham Phoenix in the ongoing The Hundred tournament, was recalled in the Test side ahead of the second Test against India. The all-rounder has been in a good form in the tournament so far as he has chipped in 189 runs. With Ali in the team, the hosts will have a fifth bowling option and someone to hold the middle-order as well. Root also pointed that Moeen’s inclusion in the side provides balance to the team and that the hosts will aim to pick the best side keeping into consideration the conditions as well.

“There are a lot of options we can go with currently. I think that’s the nice thing about bringing Mo (Moeen) into the squad. It gives us a number of different ways we can go, and balance the team out. It will all be taken into consideration. We will try to pick the side we think is best going to win here in the conditions we get,” Root said as reported by Cricbuzz

‘At the same time, as a team, you want to give as much as you can to help guys turn a corner’ – Joe Root backs the England side

The rain did not allow play on the final day of the Test match between England and India as the match resulted in a draw. Except for Joe Root, England’s openers seemed to struggle in both the innings as they couldn’t convert the starts to big runs. Opening up about the team, he stated the importance of giving opportunities to the players and backed them.

“Of course you want to see that materialise into results on the field and it can be quite tough at the top end of your sport. If that doesn’t happen at a certain point we might have to look at making changes. At the same time, as a team you want to give as much as you can to help guys turn a corner, whether that’s spreading experience or advice, or things that have worked for you, then it’s on all of us to keep helping improve each and every one of us.” Root added