Buttler to miss fourth Test, England call in reinforcements

England's vice-captain Jos Buttler will miss the fourth Test against India due to the birth of his second child but allrounder Chris Woakes has been passed fit.

England has not named a new deputy for captain Joe Root but James Anderson, Moeen Ali and Rory Burns are expected to be contenders.

Jonny Bairstow will take over wicketkeeping duties from Buttler for the fourth game of the series, starting at The Oval on Thursday, having fulfilled the role in 48 of his 77 Tests.

Buttler has been light on runs in the first three Tests, with a top score of 25 but his wicketkeeping has been tidy with 18 catches under his belt.

He has also been a key part of the on-field leadership group, stepping up as Root's deputy in the ongoing absence of Ben Stokes.

As a result of taking the gloves, Bairstow may move down from No.5 to six in the batting order in the fourth Test, allowing either Ollie Pope or Dan Lawrence to come in.

Sam Billings has been named as a back-up keeper in England's 15-strong fourth Test squad.

"We would like to wish Jos and his family all the very best for the impending birth of their second child," England coach Chris Silverwood said.

"Unfortunately, he will miss this Test and we'll then see if he returns for the final Test at Old Trafford.

"Jonny Bairstow will take over wicketkeeping duties, which he is relishing. 

"As we all know, he has the skills to seamlessly take over from Jos and the ability to score crucial runs in the middle-order if called upon."

Woakes is back in contention after making a successful comeback from a recent foot injury.

Having lost Jofra Archer and Stuart Broad to long-term injuries, a comeback for the ultra-reliable 32-year-old represents some long-awaited good news.

Fellow seamer Mark Wood was unfit to play in third Test after sustaining a shoulder injury in the field at Lord's and he will be assessed by team medics before a final decision on his availability.

"It is very pleasing that we have Chris returning to the Test squad," Silverwood said.

"He has bowled well over the past week with Warwickshire without any real concerns with his heel injury. 

"He is an asset we have been missing both with the ball and his ability to score runs in the middle order.

"For the first time in this series, it is pleasing to have several options with our bowling stocks as we approach the latter stages of the series."

England levelled the five-game series 1-1 with an innings victory over India at Headingley.

England's fourth Test squad: Joe Root (c), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Sam Billings, Rory Burns, Sam Curran, Haseeb Hameed, Dan Lawrence, Craig Overton, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood