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England (Source: Twitter)
For the 5-Test series in India from January 25 to March 11, England has announced a formidable 16-member squad. Ben Stokes will lead the team, featuring four frontline spinners. Following Moeen Ali's retirement, England have included two uncapped spinners. Shoaib Bashir who is just a 20-year-old tall off-spinner has been included in the team. In addition to this 24-year-old Tom Hartley who is a left-arm spinner has also been inducted into the team.
The squad includes veteran pacer James Anderson, who fills the void left by Stuart Broad's retirement post-Ashes. England opted for Jack Leach and Rehan Ahmed in their four-man spin attack. This series is essential for both teams as the series is now a part of the World Test championship.
As far as fast bowlers are concerned, Gus Atkinson, who showcased excellent form in the County Championship last summer, joins the pace battery alongside Anderson, Mark Wood, and Ollie Robinson. The young speedster Atkinson had previously been in India for the World Cup campaign earlier in the year.
England vs India Schedule
1st Test: India v England, 25-29 January, Hyderabad
2nd Test: India v England, 2-6 February, Vizag
3rd Test: India v England, 15-19 February, Rajkot
4th Test: India v England, 23-27 February, Ranchi
5th Test: India v England, 7-11 March, Dharamsala
England Squad for India series
Ben Stokes (C), James Anderson, Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson*, Jonny Bairstow, Shoaib Bashir*, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ben Foakes (wk), Tom Hartley*, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Mark Wood. (* indicates uncapped players).
Ben Stokes will be leading the side
Expressing confidence in Ben Stokes, England has appointed him as the Test captain for the upcoming series. Stokes, recovering from successful knee surgery in November, aims to make a comeback during the India series.
Following a challenging period, including a Test series defeat in West Indies and significant changes to their leadership structure, England has undergone a remarkable turnaround in their style of play, marking a successful run since the challenging Ashes series in Australia in 2021-22.