Buttler makes his Test debut

As Prior takes the rest of the summer off due to injury, Jos Buttler steps up to play his first Test match for his country. 

His Test debut will be the third Investec Test in the 5-match series against India. 

Buttler, 23, was brought in to replace Prior - who had a thigh injury - in the first Test but was not needed in the end. 

The Lancashire wicketkeeper will be playing under a microscope. Many believe Prior, 32, is passed his peak (including myself) and apart from the odd high score - isn't scoring as well as he should be. Although the same could be said for several senior players in the team, if England are truly serious about rebuilding this team - some hard decisions are going to have to be made. 

This is Buttler's chance to prove not only can he handle the gloves for England but also that he can score the runs they've so desperately been searching for. 

James Whitaker, national selector, said: "Jos Buttler comes into the squad following some very exciting limited overs performances for England and a good record with a lancashire this season...[He] fully deserves this opportunity. Matt Prior has contributed a huge amount to the England side over his 79 Tests."

The only other change to the 13-man squad headed to the Ageas Bowl is the dropping of Lancashire spin bowler Simon Kerrigan. 

Will the third Test be as disappointing as the last?

Sunday 27th July, Ageas Bowl, Southampton, 11:00 GMT

Ball on Willow

Anderson in Alleged Assault

Lancashire fast-medium bowler, Jimmy Anderson, could be charged with a Level 3 offence - after Ravindra Jadeja claimed abuse. 

The International Cricket Council have put forward claims against Jimmy with a Level 3 grade. This means the case will be referred to a judicial commissioner within 14 days. The penalty (if found guilty of the charges) is between four and eight suspension points. Two points bans you for one Test match, which means the bowler could miss the rest of the Test series against India if found guilty and given the maximum sentence. 

Anderson "categorically denies the accusations made against him and the ECB have pledged their total support of the player should he be charged by ICC" read a statement from the England and Wales Cricket Board who reacted "with surprise that the Indian team has made [these] allegations".

The alleged incident took place as the players came off the pitch for lunch on the second day of the first Test against India at Trent Bridge.

BBC Radio 5 live's Pat Murphy said; "Both the ECB and the Indian board have tried to resolve the situation amicably but I understand the Indian captain MS Dhoni is determined to push the matter forward. Anderson says Jadeja moved towards him in a threatening manner as the players went up the pavilion steps for lunch. Anderson put his hands up in defence and it was all over in a couple of seconds."

Anderson could plead his case as soon as today (Wednesday). However, unless he is acquitted, the crowd at Lord's will be missing Jimmy Anderson on Thursday for the second Test against India of the five match series. 

Ex-England captain, Mike Atherton, has also weighed in on Anderson's situation, "I guess everybody is surprised just because this seems to have happened very early on in the Test match and nothing was said, nothing happened, until a day or two afterwards. So there has been a long time-lag and it seemed to be a match played in reasonable spirits."

"It is one easy way of winding Anderson up and the rest of the team after a heavy Test match. There is going to be a bit of spice around on Thursday I should think because of this. The prospect of a ban for a player is not a pretty one but England have countered - they have strongly denied the accusation - so there is a bit of high feeling on both sides."

As the Man of the Match for the first Test putting 81 on the scoreboard in a record-breaking 11th wicket partnership with Joe Root to leave England in a threatening position on the final day, England will surely miss Anderson - should he be found guilty. With this in mind Alastair Cook has weighed in on India's misconduct claims; "It's probably a bit of a tactic by India. We are surprised, but we can't let it be a distraction."

UPDATE:

James Anderson will be playing at Lord's on Thursday as it has been confirmed his case would not occur before day one of the second Test at the Home of Cricket. 

Don't miss the second Test: Thursday 17th July 11am, Lord's.

Ball on Willow.