Why Alex French is Not Playing Today in IND vs ENG U19 World Cup Final?

The ICC U19 World Cup is finally coming to an end as the final match is being played between the five-time champions India and England at the Harare Sports Club, Harare. India skipper Ayush Mhatre opted to bat first after winning the toss and confirmed that there is no change in their playing XI.

However, their opponents, England, have made one change to their playing 11. The English team has left out the fast bowler Alex French for this game. It was surprising to see a change in such an important game like the final, and it remains to be seen whether it favors them or not.

Why Alex French is Not Playing Today?

England skipper Thomas Rew announced Alex French's absence from the IND vs ENG U19 World Cup Final. The reason behind his snub hasn't been disclosed, but it can be speculated that the bowler might have some niggle, or the team opted to go with a new team combination.

Alex Green has been named as Alex French replacement for this highly anticipated final match. Green is a like-for-like replacement for French as both players are right-arm pacers. He had earlier played in the tournament but was left out of the team for the ENG U19 vs IND U19 final due to injury concerns.

Will Alex Green's Inclusion help England in U19 World Cup final?

England skipper Thomas Rew said during the toss that he was looking to bowl first as he believes that the surface at Harare Sports Club, one of the best cricket stadiums in the world, is good for batting and is likely to remain good throughout the match. Also, bringing in Green as French's replacement might help them, as he will be somewhat an unknown commodity for the India Under-19 team.

Adding to it, Green is comparatively much faster than French when it comes to the pace, but it remains to be seen if he can bowl consistently at a good pace, that too on a good length and line.

He will have a big task in the initial overs to face the most destructive batter of the tournament, the 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi. The left-handed batter is likely to play in an aggressive manner for which he is known for, and will be a huge wicket for England.