Dawid Malan called up as England look to level series

Down 1-0 in the five-match series, England have called up Dawid Malan and uncapped quick Saqib Mahmood.

Malan last featured in the English Test team back in August 2018, making 8 and 20 at Edgbaston, also against India.

England Men's head coach Chris Silverwood said Malan's form across formats, and the experience of playing at his home ground, made him a logical selection.

"He has a lot of experience across all formats and, if called upon, I am confident that he can come and do well on his home ground," Silverwood said. "In the limited time he has played first-class cricket this season, he has shown what he is capable of.

“Dawid Malan deserves his opportunity in the Test arena."

ENGLAND SQUAD

Joe Root (Captain), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jonathan Bairstow, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Haseeb Hameed, Dan Lawrence, Saqib Mahmood, Dawid Malan, Craig Overton, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Mark Wood

Featuring in seven ODIs and nine T20Is for England, Mahmood inches closer to a first Test appearance. A member of extended squads during last summer's series against the West Indies and Pakistan, Mahmood also travelled as a reserve for England's tours of India and Sri Lanka.

Silverwood is confident the prospect of facing the might of India's batting line-up will not unnerve the youngster, who could find his way into the team if Mark Wood cannot shake off a shoulder injury sustained on day four of the second Test.

"He is confident, highly-skilled and will not be overawed if he is to make his Test debut.

"His temperament and attitude are suited to the international arena.”

Wood remains in the squad despite his awkward fall in the Lord's outfield, and is expected to make a full recovery. Spinner Jack Leach remains on stand-by as a back-up to Moeen Ali, while Zak Crawley and Dom Sibley have been left out of the squad.

“Zak Crawley will return to Kent to galvanise the excellent work he did last week in the nets at Lord’s with assistant coach Graham Thorpe," Silverwood said. "Zak is still a massive part of our plans moving forward, but we feel he would benefit from time outside the pressure of international competition to get some time working on his skills. He has a bright future and I do not doubt that his time will come again in the Test arena.

“Dom Sibley needs some time away to regain his confidence after a challenging period. He will return to Warwickshire to spend time in the middle without the scrutiny and find some rhythm and confidence. Dom offers a lot of value to the Test environment and some time away should help him. However, he remains part of our plans.

“Jack Leach will return to Somerset to get some game time. I have been impressed with his patience and it’s not easy living under the COVID protocols, especially when you’re not playing. However, he has regained his confidence and spark, and it has been a considerable asset having him around. He will be on standby should we need his services, but we want what is best for him and playing cricket and getting overs into him is the way to go."

The third Test begins on Wednesday, and Silverwood believes his team are itching to make amends for their final-day defeat at the hands of India's bowlers.

“The Test series is beautifully poised, and we are relishing the prospect of aiming to bounce back at Emerald Headingley next week."