England axe Finn, Ball from squad for second Pakistan Test

England have dropped Steven Finn and Jake Ball from their squad for the second Test against Pakistan as they seek to level the series, captain Alastair Cook announced Thursday.

The fast bowlers, who both played in England's 75-run defeat by Pakistan in the first Test at Lord's, were released ahead of the second match of the series, which starts at Old Trafford on Friday, reducing the size of the squad from 14 players to 12.

Fit-again fast bowler James Anderson (shoulder) and all-rounder Ben Stokes (knee), who both missed the Lord's Test, are set to return in Manchester.

England's decision means they could give a home debut to leg-spinner Adil Rashid, all of whose three Test appearances to date were away to Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates last year.

"We're going to name a 12 -- Steven Finn and Bally are missing out," Cook told reporters at Old Trafford on Thursday.

"That means, obviously, Ben Stokes and Jimmy Anderson are back in -- and Adil's going to be in the 12, just depending on what happens to that wicket by tomorrow."

Revised England squad:

Alastair Cook (capt), Alex Hales, Joe Root, James Vince, Gary Ballance, Jonny Bairstow (wkt), Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Adil Rashid, Stuart Broad, James Anderson