England have announced a 17-man squad for the first two matches of the upcoming Test series against India, with Jofra Archer and Chris Woakes missing due to injury.
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Archer, who returned to action for Sussex in the T20 Blast last Sunday, remains unavailable for a return to Test cricket as he continues his recover from an elbow problem. Woakes, who suffered a bruised heel last week, is recovering with the aim of being available for the later part of the series.
“A home Test series against India is one of the most anticipated red-ball series and this promises to be an outstanding five Tests,” England 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.”
Ben Stokes, who recently captained a second-string ODI side to a 3-0 series win against Pakistan, returns to the Test side after missing the two-match series against New Zealand. Sam Curran, Jos Buttler also return to the Test squad, as does Jonny Bairstow.
“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,” said Silverwood. “Ben’s leadership in the Royal London Series, when he played despite his finger not yet being 100 per cent, 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.”
Ollie Robinson also makes a return to the Test side after picking up seven wickets on debut against New Zealand. “We have selected Ollie Robinson after his seven-wicket Test debut against New Zealand,” Silverwood said. “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.”
Haseeb Hameed, who returned to the Test squad for the series against New Zealand more than four years on from his last England appearance, is retained. He is currently playing for the County Select XI in a warm-up against the touring India side.
England’s Test squad for India series – first two Tests
Joe Root, James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Dom Bess, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Zak Crawley, Sam Curran, Haseeb Hameed, Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Dom Sibley, Ben Stokes, Mark Wood
