England captain Ben Stokes has confirmed that the team will remain unchanged for the third Test against the West Indies, starting Friday at Edgbaston. Despite having already secured the series with a 2-0 lead, the home side has opted not to recall Matthew Potts or debut Dillon Pennington.
Stokes explained that the decision to maintain the current squad is based on the team’s performance and the absence of a pressing need for changes. “At the moment we have stuck with the same team because we don’t feel it’s necessary to change,” Stokes said.
James Anderson, England’s all-time leading wicket-taker, retired after the first Test, and his absence was filled by Mark Wood in the second Test. Since Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum took over, they have generally preferred to keep a consistent lineup and avoid rotating bowlers unless absolutely necessary.
Stokes acknowledged the physical demands of fast bowling and the likelihood of changes in the future, particularly given Wood’s intense bowling style. “Even though we’ve got a decent break to the next series, fast bowling is very hard so naturally we may see a change in the bowling line-up. It’s not required yet,” he said.
Wood, who delivered the fastest over by an England bowler in a home Test at Trent Bridge, has been passed fit to play despite struggling with cramp. Stokes praised Wood’s impact, stating, “When his name gets read out, the whole crowd is up, then when the speeds are on the big screen, everyone gets going.” Wood’s high-speed deliveries and energy are seen as a crucial factor in England’s performance.
In response to the injury of West Indies spinner Kevin Sinclair, who was ruled out of the third Test after a bouncer from Wood fractured his forearm, the West Indies have brought left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie back into the squad. Akeem Jordan will serve as cover for pace bowler Shamar Joseph, who is also dealing with illness.
West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite emphasized the importance of resilience and growth, saying, “It’s all about fighting. If we continue to create that sort of attitude around this team, there will be growth. That’s what we’re after.”
The third Test at Edgbaston is set to begin with England looking to continue their dominant performance and West Indies aiming to turn the series around.