England axe Finn and Ball from 2nd Test squad

The fast bowlers, who both played in England’s 75-run defeat by Pakistan in the first Test at Lord’s, were released ahead of the second Test, which starts at Old Trafford on Friday (tomorrow).

Now fit-again fast bowler James Anderson (shoulder) and all-rounder Ben Stokes (knee), who both didn’t play at Lord’s, are set to make their Test return in Manchester.

England’s decision means they could give a home debut to leg-spinner Adil Rashid, all of whose three Test appearances to date were away to Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates last year.

England squad:

Alastair Cook (capt), Alex Hales, Joe Root, James Vince, Gary Ballance, Jonny Bairstow (wkt), Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Adil Rashid, Stuart Broad, James Anderson