Saqib Mahmood to make Test debut in England’s second Test against the West Indies in Barbados

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Saqib Mahmood will replace the injured Mark Wood for his Test debut in England’s second Test against the West Indies on Wednesday; Wood suffered an elbow injury during the first Test drawn of a three-match series; Ollie Robinson not at risk after back injury

Saqib Mahmood will make his Test debut in England’s second Test against the West Indies on Wednesday, replacing the injured Mark Wood.

Saqib Mahmood will make his Test debut in England’s second Test against the West Indies in Barbados, replacing the injured Mark Wood.

The Lancashire closer’s first appearance is the only change from the XI that relied on a flat pitch in Antigua last week, with Ollie Robinson out of the running as he continues to recover from a back injury.

Wood suffered an injury to his right elbow during the first test.

Mahmood, 25, has played seven one-day internationals and 12 Twenty20s in the last two and a half years, but this is his first chance to show off his international credentials with a red ball in hand.

Although he’s not able to consistently clear the 90 mph barrier like Wood, he’s the fastest option available and is also considered one of the best exponents of the reverse swing.

Mahmood has impressed skipper Joe Root during his spells on the Test side and now has the chance to deliver at Kensington Oval, a course that has hosted many fast bowling greats over the years.

“He’s very mature for a guy who hasn’t played a huge amount of international cricket, he understands how he wants to operate,” Root said.

“He’s been very impressive, he’s got a slightly different trajectory and he’ll give us a point difference. He’s done that when he’s played in other formats. He clearly has good control, especially if the ball is reverse swinging. He’s a great option for have up your sleeve.”

Robinson’s omission is a surprise given England’s apparent positivity about his recovery from a back spasm, but despite a long net toss on Monday, Chris Woakes and Craig Overton kept their places.

1. Alex Lees
2. Zak Crawley
3. Root Joe
4. DanLawrence
5. Ben Stokes
6. Jonathan Bairstow
7. Ben Foakes
8. Chris Woakes
9. Craig Overton
10. Jack Leach
11. Saqib Mahmud

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