England tour of India: England Cricket Board (ECB) announces the 16-member squad including three uncapped players.
All-rounder Ben Stokes is all set to lead the spin-heavy 16-member squad against India in early 2024. After recovering from the knee surgery, Stokes is confident of making a strong comeback on January 25 when the Test series commences. England Cricket Board added 3 uncapped
players to the squad including two off-spinners: 20-year-old Shoaib Bashir from Somerset,
24-year-old Tom Hartley from Lancashire, and a pacer: Gus Atkinson from Surrey.
Along with the new players, veteran pacer Jimmy Anderson’s name on the side seems to provide a good balance. England’s pace attack for the upcoming series includes Mark Wood, Gus Atkinson, and Ollie Robbinson.
Remarkably, England selected a four-man spin attack to make the side stronger on the Indian
pitch. The list of spinners added Jack Leach, Rehan Ahmed, Shoaib Bashir, and Tom Hartley.
ENG vs IND: England’s squad for the Test Series
Ben Stokes(Captain), James Anderson, Rehan Ahmed, Jack Leach, Shoaib Bashir, Johny Bairstow (WK), Gus Atkison, Ollie Pop, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Mark Wood, Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ben Foakes (WK), Tom Hartley, Joe Root.
Who is Shoaib Bashir?
Shoaib Bashir who is a shocking inclusion to the England side made his first-class debut at the
age of 19 this year. His first test match was against the great Alistair Cook whom he troubled
much with his bowling. Bashir joins the squad having played only six first-class matches.
Though his County season concluded with only 10 wickets, his endeavors were far bigger than
the stats would say.
Ben Foakes returns
After being dropped for the Ashes Series, Ben Foakes finally finds a way to the English squad.
Under the captaincy of Ben Stokes, Foakes did little wrong in the Test side. Foakes’ last test
was against New Zealand earlier this year in Wellington.
An opportunity to fight back
After a disappointing outcome in the World Cup 2023, England looks like experimenting with
their young blood. Despite having big names, the English side failed to impress the cricketing
world. According to England’s managing director, Rob Key, the decision to give more
importance to Test cricket over one-day matches has been the key role of such an unexpected
World Cup campaign. From defending champions England in 2019 to becoming the
backbencher of the 2024 WC, the tenure which England probably wants to take out of their
minds as soon as possible. The Test series might be a good opportunity for them to have their
fame back after a devastating World Cup campaign in India.
McCullum’s Perspective on the Test Series
Brendon McCullum, the head coach of England, takes the upcoming series as a challenge. The
series seems to be an important one in determining the brave approach of the England side on
Indian soil. “We have got a huge challenge against a very good Indian team in five Tests in
India,” McCullum said at the RCB Innovation Lab’s Leaders Meet India.
