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[Saba Sports News] England named an unchanged XI for the third Test against the West Indies at Edgbaston, despite leading the series 2-0 and having opportunities to introduce youngsters.
Captain Ben Stokes explained the decision was straightforward, mentioning that other pacers will get chances in the remaining summer Tests. Dillon Pennington was a contender but missed out, with Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, and Mark Wood in the lineup. Stokes emphasized a “pace revolution” ahead of Ashes 2025, favoring extended runs for Atkinson and Wood.
Woakes is seen as James Anderson’s successor, making him undroppable for now. Matthew Potts also missed out but is expected to play later.
Stokes acknowledged the challenges of fast bowling and indicated future changes in the bowling lineup.
“Two-nil up and very good all-round team performances, pretty easy decision to stick with the same 11 and want to wrap up the series and hopefully take it 3-0. That (Pennington’s inclusion) will come naturally with six Test matches, even though we have a decent break; fast bowling is hard, so naturally, we will see changes in the bowling line-up,” Stokes revealed.
“It is tough not to play, but for Potts and Dillon, it’s great for them to be in the squad. It’s tough, but they work incredibly hard, so if the opportunity comes around for either of them, they will be ready to go. We’ve stuck with the same team for the first three games because we don’t feel a necessary opportunity to change. Though he (Pennington) hasn’t got the opportunity, we know how hard he works out in the middle, there’s no doubt an opportunity will come for him, and he’ll be ready to go,” he added.