England recalls Roland-Jones for decisive test vs Windies

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 11:54 p.m. ET

LONDON (AP) England will drop allrounder Chris Woakes and recall paceman Toby Roland-Jones for the decisive third cricket test against West Indies at Lord's starting Thursday.

Woakes made his return from a side strain in England's surprise five-wicket loss in the second test, replacing Roland-Jones in the team but taking just one wicket in each of West Indies' innings.

Roland-Jones will reclaim his place for a test taking place at his home ground, where he plays for English county Middlesex. Handed his test debut against South Africa at The Oval in July, Roland-Jones has taken 14 wickets in his first three matches.

''Home conditions, he obviously knows the surfaces and is bowling very well at the moment,'' England captain Joe Root said Wednesday. ''It's obviously very difficult to leave somebody like Chris out; he's been a consistent performer in test cricket for England.''

England is not only looking to win the series but show some form in its final test before the Ashes in Australia.

West Indies, meanwhile, is seeking to complete an unexpected comeback from losing the first test by an innings and 209 runs and earn a first series victory in England since 1988.