England have added off-spinner Dom Bess to the squad for the second test against New Zealand at Edgbaston, beginning Thursday night (NZ time).
A place in the squad came free, after Ollie Robinson was suspended from all international cricket by the England & Wales Cricket Board, after the emergence of racist and sexist comments he tweeted nine years ago.
Although Jack Leach, England's first choice spinner, is fit and available, England coach Chris Silverwood says Bess will provide cover in case of any injuries, as current COVID protocols make it difficult to bring players into the squad from their counties.
"If Jack was to feature, we would need back-up for him in terms of concussion replacements and things like that," Silverwood says.
"If we are looking at playing a spinner and Jack were to get injured leading into the game, then we will need someone else there as well. It's making sure we cover that.
"Are we expecting a spinning wicket? We will see when we get there, but I'm making sure we've got every base covered."
Reuters
