ECB announces 16-member squad for five match Test series against India

In a significant announcement on Monday, England unveiled their 16-member squad for the upcoming five-match Test series against India. The series is set to commence in January 2024. A notable inclusion in the squad features three uncapped players. Surrey's fast bowler Gus Atkinson, along with spinners Tom Hartley from Lancashire and Shoaib Bashir from Somerset, has been included.

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Gus Atkinson played a pivotal role in Surrey's County Championship triumph this year, securing 20 wickets in five matches with an impressive average of 20.20. His recent stint with the England squad during the ODI World Cup in India further bolstered his credentials.

Spinners Tom Hartley and Shoaib Bashir showcased their potential during training with the England Lions squad in the United Arab Emirates in November. Their selection underscores England's commitment to nurturing emerging talent in the spin department. It also indicates England’s need to consider spin-friendly Indian conditions.

Rehan Ahmed makes a comeback for England’s national team

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Rehan Ahmed, the 19-year-old leg spinner, returns to the squad following a remarkable five-wicket haul against Pakistan in December 2022, becoming England's youngest-ever test debutant. In a strategic move to manage workload and fitness, star all-rounder Ben Stokes has been appointed as the captain for the series. Stokes recently confirmed his unavailability for next year's Indian Premier League (IPL), emphasising his focus on leading the team in the challenging test series against India.

The eagerly awaited series is scheduled to kick off in Hyderabad on January 25, 2024. The subsequent tests will be hosted in Vizag, Rajkot, Ranchi, and Dharamsala, spanning from February 2 to March 11. It’s worth noting that this series will be a part of the ongoing World Test Championship cycle.

The complete England squad for the test series includes:

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Ben Stokes (Captain), Rehan Ahmed, James Anderson, Gus Atkinson, Jonny Bairstow (Wicketkeeper), Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ben Foakes, Tom Hartley, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, and Mark Wood

As cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the clash between these cricketing powerhouses, the series promises intense competition and serves as a platform for emerging talents to make their mark on the international stage.