Livingstone set to debut as England announce playing XI for 1st Test vs Pakistan
Liam Livingstone [Source: Twitter]
In a significant development, England have announced their playing XI for the first Test against Pakistan. Swashbuckling batting all-rounder Liam Livingstone has been given his debut Test cap and will shoulder the spin bowling responsibilities along with Jack Leach.
Keaton Jennings was expected to make his Test comeback, as the southpaw plays superbly in subcontinent. However, Ben Duckett has got the nod ahead of him and is set to play his first Test match after a huge gap of six years.
Despite being inconsistent, Zak Crawley has kept his place safe. It will be a golden opportunity for Crawley to showcase his skills on the batting-friendly deck of Rawalpindi.
As expected, Ollie Pope, Joe Root and Ben Stokes will bat at their preferred positions of number three, four and five, respectively, while Ben Foakes will don the wicket-keeping gloves. Harry Brook has been picked as an extra batter as England have ensured batting depth.
Meanwhile, ace pacer James Anderson will spearhead the seam bowling department, with Ollie Robinson and Stokes assisting him. It will be a litmus test for Robinson to bowl long spells in Pakistan, as he is returning from a long injury layoff.
England's playing XI for the 1st Test against Pakistan
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Ben Stokes (C), Harry Brook, Ben Foakes (WK), Liam Livingstone, Ollie Robinson, Jack Leach, James Anderson
 "Debashis Sarangi")
.jpg "Mohammed Kaif warns India against too much experiment before the ODI WC")