The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Friday announced India’s 16-member squad for the first two Tests of the 5-match series against England.
The first Test is scheduled for January 25 in Hyderabad, followed by the second on February 2 in Vizag. The series will culminate with the fifth and final Test in Dharamshala on March 11.
Dhruv Jurel earns Test call-up
Wicketkeeper-batsman Dhruv Jurel earned his maiden call-up for the first two Tests, while the recovering Mohammed Shami and batter Ishan Kishan were not included. Rohit Sharma will lead the team, with Jasprit Bumrah as vice-captain. KL Rahul, KS Bharat, and Dhruv Jurel were added as wicketkeepers.
Bowling attack
India opted for four spinners- Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav. The pace attack features Avesh Khan, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mukesh Kumar.
Batting line-up
Skipper Rohit Sharma is expected to open the batting with Yashasvi Jaiswal. The middle-order comprises Virat Kohli, Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, and Shubman Gill, maintaining its unchanged lineup.
Squad for the first 2 Tests vs England: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), KS Bharat (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah (VC), and Avesh Khan.