England might unleash a young, relatively unknown pace sensation in the upcoming Test series against India, according to recent reports. Eddie Jack, a towering 6'4" teenage fast bowler, has reportedly been invited to practice with England's senior team ahead of the highly anticipated five-match series.
Jack's invitation comes after impressive performances for the England Lions against India A. The young bowler seemingly caught the selectors' attention by dismissing KL Rahul during the drawn second unofficial Test in Northampton. Sources indicate that Jack has been turning heads within the England Lions' coaching setup, which includes former England stars Andrew Flintoff, Mark Wood, and Graeme Swann.
Currently, Jack plies his trade for Hampshire in domestic cricket. While he is yet to make his debut in the County Championship, he has featured in two first-class games, both against India A. Before his stint with the Lions, Jack also impressed in a warm-up game against Zimbabwe last month, where he picked up five wickets while representing a combined counties XI. During the series against India A, he troubled several established players, including Rahul, Nitish Reddy, and Dhruv Jurel, ultimately finishing the series with four wickets.
England's potential inclusion of Jack in the Test squad is also influenced by a series of injuries plaguing their pace attack. Key bowlers like Mark Wood and Gus Atkinson are currently sidelined, while Jofra Archer's return has been delayed due to a thumb injury. Josh Tongue also suffered an injury during the India A game, casting doubt on his availability for the first Test. This leaves Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Jamie Overton, and Chris Woakes as the only fit fast-bowling options currently in the England squad.
The five-match Test series against India is set to begin on June 20 at Headingley. India will be led by Shubman Gill, following the retirement of Rohit Sharma, with Rishabh Pant as his deputy. The squad sees the return of Karun Nair after a long absence and a maiden Test call-up for Sai Sudharsan. India's squad includes a mix of experienced players and fresh talent, aiming to make a mark in English conditions. Arshdeep Singh, who is also part of the Indian squad, is eager to make his Test debut and has been training in Kent to prepare for the series.
With key players missing due to injury or retirement, both England and India will look to their emerging talents to step up. The possible debut of Eddie Jack for England and the inclusion of players like Sai Sudharsan for India promises an exciting contest between the two sides.
