Windies vs England 2nd Test: Jennings dropped, Denly to debut

England have decided to drop underperforming Keaton Jennings for the second Test against Windies. Skipper Joe Root revealed the 12-member team in the press conference which includes uncapped Joe Denly as the opener.

Denly to make debut at the age of 32 years

In the press conference ahead of the second Test, Joe Root revealed that the England team management has decided to play Denly in the second Test.

??????? | Joe Denly will become @englandcricket's 690th capped Test player tomorrow

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— Kent Cricket (@KentCricket) January 30, 2019

The 32-year-old right-hand batsman averages 36.37 in first-class cricket and can bowl handy leg spin as well. He will open the innings with Rory Burns who was the lone shining light in England’s horrendous performance in the first Test.

Root stated that it gives an opportunity to Denly. He also noted that it is disappointing for Keaton Jennings, he has done some excellent things and he will continue to work on developing his game and be a big part of this squad.

Jennings, on the other hand, has scored only 72 runs in his last six Test innings. He performed poorly against India in the last year but was given a longer rope by the team management. However, he failed to make an impact in the first Test and has lost his place in the team.

Rashid returns to home for the birth of a second child

Joe Denly all set for his Test debut, while Jack Leach is named in the XII for the second #WIvENG Test; Keaton Jennings and Adil Rashid miss outhttps://t.co/2BALShAL53 pic.twitter.com/rlzBAlWGbC

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) January 30, 2019

Meanwhile leg-spinner Adil Rashid will be heading back to England for the birth of his second child. He too hasn’t performed well in recent times but Root backed him by saying that it is not necessarily a reflection on how Adil has gone about things.

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He feels that when Adil comes into the side you want him to make things happen and take wickets, to show off all of his tricks. On balance they think a slightly different approach might be more effective here.

England’s 12 member team for the second Test

The Rory Burns, Joe Denly, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root (C), Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali, Ben Foakes, Sam Curran, Stuart Broad, Jimmy Anderson, Jack Leach.