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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Will Macpherson

Saqib Mahmood handed England Test debut against West Indies with Ollie Robinson still out

England have named their XI for the Second Test against West Indies in Barbados on Wednesday, with Saqib Mahmood coming in for his debut at the expense of injured Mark Wood.

That is the only change to the XI that drew in Antigua, meaning there is no return from Ollie Robinson, who has been suffering with a back spasm.

When Robinson bowled 10 overs at training on Monday, the hope was that he might be involved, but England are taking a cautious approach. He broke down during his last Test match, against Australia in Hobart.

Robinson’s absence means Chris Woakes and Craig Overton – who shared three wickets in more than 80 overs in Antigua – retain their places, and will take the new ball.

Mahmood has been around the England Test side for some time, and has played both white-ball formats, impressing especially in ODIs.

“The one thing is he's very mature for a guy who hasn't played a huge amount of international cricket; he has an understanding of how he wants to operate,” said captain Joe Root of Mahmood.

“He's been very impressive, he's got a slightly different trajectory and will give us a point of difference. He has done when he's played in other formats. Clearly he has good control, especially if the ball moves with reverse swing. It's a great option to have up our sleeve.”

Completing the attack are Ben Stokes, who bowled 41 overs in Antigua, and Jack Leach, the left-arm spinner. The pitch is expected to be good for batting, and take turn late in the game.

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