England call up fast bowler Sonny Baker for the second Test against Pakistan after Brydon Carse is made unavailable during a regulatory investigation.
LONDON: England have added inexperienced fast bowler Sonny Baker to their squad for the second ICC World Test Championship Test against Pakistan, replacing fellow pacer Brydon Carse.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed the change on Monday, with Carse omitted from the 16-player squad while an investigation into an incident in Derby over the weekend is conducted.
Baker could make his second Test appearance after making his international debut against New Zealand at The Oval in June.
ECB confirms Carse investigation
The ECB said the change followed a referral to the Cricket Regulator, which has confirmed that it will investigate events that took place in Derby on Saturday night.
“Following a referral from the ECB, the Cricket Regulator have confirmed that they will investigate events on Saturday night in Derby,” the ECB said in a statement.
“Brydon Carse will no longer be available for selection for the Second Men’s Rothesay Test Match while this investigation is ongoing and the full facts are obtained.”
The governing body added that Carse would be replaced in the squad by Baker.
The investigation means Carse will not be available for the second Test while the regulator establishes the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
Baker in contention for Lord’s Test
Baker now has an opportunity to earn his second Test cap as England prepare for the Lord’s Test against Pakistan.
The young fast bowler made his Test debut against New Zealand at The Oval in June and has been included in a squad featuring a mixture of experienced players and emerging talent.
England secured a dominant victory in the opening Test at Headingley, defeating Pakistan by an innings and 103 runs.
The hosts will now aim to seal the three-match series at Lord’s and strengthen their position in the World Test Championship standings.
England currently occupy seventh place in the WTC table, while Pakistan are ninth.
England squad for second Test
Joe Root (captain), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Sonny Baker, Harry Brook, Sam Cook, Jordan Cox, Ben Duckett, Matthew Fisher, Emilio Gay, Dan Lawrence, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Jamie Smith and Josh Tongue.
England vs Pakistan Test schedule
•First Test: August 19-23, Headingley — England won by an innings and 103 runs
•Second Test: August 27-31, Lord’s
•Third Test: September 9-13, Edgbaston
England will enter the second Test with momentum after their commanding opening victory, while Pakistan will need a strong response at Lord’s to keep the series alive and improve their position in the World Test Championship.