The England Cricket Board has unveiled its 16-member men’s squad for the upcoming five-match Test series against India, set to kick off on January 25. Notably, the visiting team has incorporated three uncapped players into their squad: the impressive pacer Gus Atkinson, along with spinners Tom Hartley and Shoaib Bashir.
Gus Atkinson showcased his cricketing prowess by securing an impressive 20 wickets at an average of 20.20 in five games this year, contributing significantly to Surrey’s triumph in the County Championship. He also previously represented England during the recent ODI World Cup held in India.
Ben Stokes will assume the leadership role for the team, with Ollie Pope serving as his deputy. Additionally, Stokes declared his unavailability for the upcoming Indian Premier League, citing the importance of managing workload and maintaining fitness.
It is noteworthy that 19-year-old leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed has made a comeback to the lineup. This follows his impressive five-wicket performance against Pakistan in December 2022, a feat that established him as England’s youngest-ever test debutant.
England squad:
Ben Stokes (captain), Rehan Ahmed, James Anderson, Gus Atkinson, Jonny Bairstow (wicketkeeper), Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ben Foakes, Tom Hartley, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Mark Wood.
Also read: India Playing XI for England Test: Dhruv Jurel IN, Axar Patel & Mukesh Kumar OUT
England Playing XI for India Test
- Zak Crawley
- Ben Duckett
- Ollie Pope
- Joe Root
- Harry Brook
- Jonny Bairstow (Wicketkeeper)
- Ben Stokes (Captain)
- Ollie Robinson
- Mark Wood
- Jack Leach
- Gus Atkinson
Atkinson, known for his impressive performances in domestic cricket, gets the opportunity to make his maiden appearance in Test cricket. On the flip side, the experienced campaigner James Anderson, a stalwart in England’s fast-bowling department, has been left out for the opening match. This strategic move suggests a balance between nurturing young talent and managing the workload of seasoned players, offering Atkinson a chance to showcase his skills on the international stage.