In an attempt to get back to winning ways after the demoralising 340-run defeat in the second Test, England have included uncapped duo Tom Westley and Dawid Malan for the third and penultimate Test of the four-match series against South Africa. England announced the 13-man squad on Thursday for the upcoming Test
Westley will make his debut at No.3 after being named as a direct replacement for Gary Ballance who suffered a finger injury in the Trent Bridge Test. The Essex star has earned his maiden England call after enjoying a good run in recent times where he has scored three centuries in his last six first-class innings with the latest one being an unbeaten 106 for England Lions against the South Africans.
Malan, on the other hand, can feature if England decides to go in with an extra batsman which is looking like a possibility after their failure in the last Test. In such a scenario, spinner Liam Dawson is most likely to make way for the Middlesex batsman.
Malan made his international debut last month in the T20 series against South Africa, making an immediate impact with a 44-ball 78 runs knock. He has also done well in County Championship this season, scoring at an impressive average of 42.50.
Meanwhile, Toby Roland-Jones can also make his debut if England decides to drop Mark Wood for the crucial clash. Wood had a below par outing at Trent Bridge and had suffered a heel injury before being passed fit. Out-of-form opener Keaton Jennings is looking set to retain his place in the team.
England squad:
Joe Root, Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jonathan Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Alastair Cook, Liam Dawson, Keaton Jennings, Dawid Malan, Toby Roland-Jones, Ben Stokes, Tom Westley, Mark Wood