Jos Buttler, Jonny Bairstow, all-rounders Sam Curran, Ben Stokes returned to England's Test fold after missing the New Zealand series in June.
England have announced a 17-member strong squad for the first two Test matches against India starting August 4 at Trent Bridge in Nottingham. Wicket-keeper batsmen Jos Buttler, Jonny Bairstow, all-rounders Sam Curran and Ben Stokes returned to the side after missing the two games against New Zealand in June.
Stokes, who recently led the second-string England team in the three-match series against Pakistan, which they won 3-0 has recovered fully from the finger injury he sustained during the IPL 2021. Jofra Archer and Chirs Woakes, who have been recovering from their respective injuries have not been named. While pacer Olly Stone and wicket-keeper batsman Sam Billings, who were part of the squad for the New Zealand series, have also been ousted.
Talking about the selection in an ECB release, head coach Chris Silverwood said, "India are a quality team who have shown their ability to get results away from home. We are expecting a highly competitive series and have selected our strongest possible squad.
"The returns of all-rounders Ben Stokes and Sam Curran provide balance that allows us to get back to a structure that has been successful in Test cricket.
"Ben’s leadership in the Royal London Series, when he played despite his finger not yet being 100 percent, typified his character and commitment that drives the players around him forward. With Jos and Jonny back in the squad we have added further experience and quality that will be needed against the world’s second-ranked team.
"We have selected Ollie Robinson after his seven-wicket Test debut against New Zealand. Ollie proved in that Test that he has the ability to replicate his outstanding form in the County Championship at international level and we will continue to work with him to develop his England career," he added.
England squad for first two Tests against India: Joe Root(c), Rory Burns, Dom Sibley, Zak Crawley, Dan Lawrence, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, Jonny Bairstow, Haseeb Hameed, Ollie Pope, Sam Curran, Dom Bess, Jack Leach, James Anderson, Stuart Broad, Mark Wood, Ollie Robinson
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