England have called-up teenage leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed to their squad for the second Ashes Test against Australia. The second match of the five-Test series is scheduled to be played at Lord’s from June 28.

The Leicestershire leg-spinner has been added to the England squad as cover for spinning all-rounder Moeen Ali. Ali, who came out of retirement in Tests to play in the ongoing Ashes, played in the first Test at Edgbaston. It was his first red-ball game in more than two years.

The World Cup-winning allrounder struggled throughout the match due to a burst blister on his right index figure. While England’s medical staff will be trying their best to ensure that the Ali’s finger completely heals before the second Test, there is always a chance of recurrence for a player who has not played red-ball cricket in recent times.

Rehan Ahmed added to England squad:

While England will be hoping that Ali recovers in time for the crunch clash, they have kept the possibility of playing the Test without him open. Consequently, Ahmed has been called up. The 18-year old made his Test debut with a five-wicket haul in the third Test against Pakistan in Karachi last year although he has struggled in County Championship this season.

He has taken a modest six wickets in seven matches in Division Two with an average of 67.66 and an economy rate of 4.01. Ahmed edged out the likes of Will Jacks and Liam Dawson to earn a place in the Ashes squad for the first time in his career. The youngster will link up with the squad in London over the weekend.

Meanwhile, England are trailing the series after suffering a heartbreaking 2-wicket loss in the first Test at Edgbaston. Despite reducing Australia to 227 for 8, the hosts could not defend 280. Ben Stokes & Co. will be desperate to restore parity in the next Test as England look to win the Ashes for the first time since 2015.

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