England captain Joe Root has admitted that selecting James Anderson for the fifth Test against India at Old Trafford is a difficult decision, following the 157-run defeat at The Oval. Anderson, 39, has played four Tests in five weeks, and Root is concerned about the risk of injury if the seamer plays again on his home ground.
“We’ll make smart decisions around that,” Root said. “You have to take everything into account, make sure physically he’s in the right place to play a Test match. If he goes down injured, it leaves us in a very difficult place, not only for the rest of the game but for the winter as well.” England are 2-1 down in the series, but Root is confident of levelling the contest in Manchester.
However, England’s bowling resources are stretched. With Anderson and Ollie Robinson having already played four Tests, Craig Overton nursing a bruised elbow, and Saqib Mahmood doubtful with a side strain, Root faces a selection headache. Jofra Archer, Stuart Broad, and Olly Stone are already ruled out with injuries.
Jos Buttler will be available for the final Test after missing the fourth to attend the birth of his daughter. His return means a decision between Jonny Bairstow and Ollie Pope to make way. Root stressed the need to improve catching after England dropped seven chances at The Oval, allowing India to fight back.
“We’ve got to look at the whole game,” Root added. “Our catching has to improve. You have to take those chances against world-class players. We could have been a bit better with our first-innings lead. We’ve got to make sure we get ourselves in a frame of mind to go to Old Trafford and get a win.”
