08 Jun 2021

A day after the suspension of Ollie Robinson following emergence of his racist and sexist tweets, England have added off-spinner Dom Bess to the squad for the second test versus New Zealand at Edgbaston starting June 10.

Although Jack Leach, England's first-choice spinner, is fit and available, head coach Chris Silverwood said that Bess would provide cover in case of any injury. He pointed out that due to the current Covid-19 protocols, bringing players in the team's bio-bubble from counties becomes difficult.

"If Jack was to feature, we would need back-up for him in terms of concussion replacements and things like that," Silverwood told reporters.

"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."

England's first Test against New Zealand at Lord's ended in a draw on Sunday. New Zealand declared their 2nd innings with two sessions left on the final day but could manage to take only 3 England wickets. Joe Root's men fell 103 runs short of the 273-run target.