In preparation for the upcoming five-Test series against India, Captain Ben Stokes and England have introduced three surprise selections to their 16-member squad. Fast bowler Gus Atkinson, along with spinners Tom Hartley and Shoaib Bashir, has received maiden call-ups from the ECB. Seeking their first Test series victory in India since 2012, England aims to replicate the success of Alastair Cook and his team from 11 years ago when they handed India a Test series defeat on their home soil. Notably, Virat Kohli is the only surviving player from that historic tour. Stokes, determined to emulate past triumphs, is sparing no effort in his preparations.
Aged 25, Atkinson is emerging as a promising talent in English cricket, having recently claimed 20 wickets at an average of 20.20 during Surrey’s successful County title defense. Despite being part of England’s World Cup squad without getting a game, he boasts nine ODIs and two T20Is experience, accumulating 16 wickets. Anticipation surrounds his potential Test debut in the series commencing in Hyderabad in January, especially considering the traditionally pace-friendly conditions at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Vizag, and Dharamsala. It appears only a matter of time before Atkinson dons the England whites.
In contrast, Hartley at 24 and Bashir at 19 have relatively lower profiles. Bashir, a 19-year-old right-arm off-break bowler, secured 10 wickets from six games for Somerset. Meanwhile, Hartley brings more experience, having taken 40 wickets at an average of 36.57 for Lancashire. Standing tall at 6 feet 4 inches, Hartley is anticipated to deliver quick and challenging spells, putting pressure on Indian batsmen whenever spin assistance is evident.
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The historical trend reveals that Indian batsmen, particularly against unfamiliar bowlers, especially spinners, often face discomfort, justifying the selections of Hartley and Bashir. Both had valuable training with the England Lions squad in the United Arab Emirates in November. During this period, Bashir showcased his skills, securing figures of 6/42 in a three-day match against Afghanistan A. Adding another spin option, Rehan Ahmed makes a return to the squad. The 19-year-old leg-spinner, recalled after his impressive five-wicket haul against Pakistan in December 2022, stands out as England’s youngest-ever Test debutant.
Several notable developments include the return of wicketkeeper-batsman Ben Foakes, who reclaims his spot after being omitted for the Ashes. Additionally, left-arm spinner Jack Leach, a thorn in India’s side during England’s 2021 tour, and Ollie Pope, recovering from back and shoulder injuries, make their comebacks. The pace attack features James Anderson, Ollie Robinson, and Mark Wood, while Chris Woakes, Dan Lawrence, Liam Dawson, and Will Jacks miss out on selection. Ahead of the first Test, England will kick off their tour preparations with a brief camp in the UAE approximately 15 days prior.
England Test squad: Rehan Ahmed, James Anderson, Gus Atkinson, Jonny Bairstow, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ben Foakes, Tom Hartley, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Ben Stokes (captain), Mark Wood