England news: Matthew Fisher handed surprise Test debut in Barbados

Yorkshire’s Matthew Fisher was handed a surprise Test debut on the morning of the second Test against the West Indies, with Craig Overton a late withdrawal.

England named their XI on the eve of the match, with Saqib Mahmood included for the first time, but they were forced into a late change of plan when Overton began to feel unwell overnight.

That means two uncapped players in an attack led by Chris Woakes.

Huge congratulations, Fish!

Matthew Fisher will make his Test match debut.

He replaces Craig Overton who felt unwell overnight.

#WIvENG pic.twitter.com/147WgxBqiP

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) March 16, 2022

Why no Broad or Anderson?

Well bowled, Shane

England had already opted not to risk Ollie Robinson, who has been recovering well from the back spasms which ruled him out of the drawn first Test in Antigua and stuck with that decision to give Fisher his chance.

“Looks a good wicket, like to make first use of it,” Root said at the toss.

“Saw in the first game if there’s any moisture it can move around a bit. Hopefully we can start a bit stronger.”

Root’s opposite number Kraigg Brathwaite admitted he would have been looking to bat, too, but hopes for some early nip in the pitch.

“We’ve got to utilise that first hour,” he said.

There are no changes for West Indies, Veerasammy Permaul keeping his place and with Nkrumah Bonner flying the flag for the home batters.

“Bonner really led by example, and it’s for us to follow,” Brathwaite added.

West Indies (Playing XI): Kraigg Brathwaite(c), John Campbell, Shamarh Brooks, Nkrumah Bonner, Jermaine Blackwood, Jason Holder, Joshua Da Silva(w), Alzarri Joseph, Kemar Roach, Veerasammy Permaul, Jayden Seales

England (Playing XI): Alex Lees, Zak Crawley, Joe Root(c), Daniel