England announce Root-less squad for third Test against Pakistan in Birmingham

LONDON - England selectors named a 13-man squad for the match at Edgbaston starting on Wednesday 3 August and gave Pakistani fans some much-needed good news by dropping batsman Joe Root, who starred in the second Test with a swashbuckling double-hundred.

Ben Stokes was also ruled out of the third Investec Test.

According to England Cricket Board, the all-rounder sustained a torn right calf during the fourth day of England’s 330-run victory over Pakistan at the Old Trafford.

The 25-year-old will be reviewed by the England medical team next week, when the squad reports to Birmingham on Sunday evening.

England Test squad (13)

Alastair Cook (Essex) (Capt)

Moeen Ali (Worcestershire)

James Anderson (Lancashire)

Jonny Bairstow (Yorkshire)

Gary Ballance (Yorkshire)

Jake Ball (Nottinghamshire)

Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire)

Steven Finn (Middlesex)

Alex Hales (Nottinghamshire)

Adil Rashid (Yorkshire)

Joe Root (Yorkshire)

James Vince (Hampshire)

Chris Woakes (Warwickshire)