IND vs ENG Playing 11: England has announced its playing XI for the opening match of the five-Test series against India, scheduled to take place at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad starting on Thursday, January 25. Notably, the experienced fast bowler James Anderson has been left out of the playing XI, with left-arm spinner Tom Hartley getting the opportunity to make his debut in the first Test match of his career.
Considering the anticipated spin-friendly conditions in Hyderabad, England has opted for three spinners in the playing XI. Alongside Tom Hartley, the team features the experienced Jack Leach and the young leg spinner Rehan Ahmed.
Mark Wood will lead the pace bowling attack, while Captain Ben Stokes also provides the option of fast bowling. The decision to exclude James Anderson was influenced by the presence of three primary spinners in the team.
IND vs ENG Playing 11
How much experience does Hartley have?
IND vs ENG Playing 11: Speaking of Hartley, the left-arm spinner has participated in 20 first-class matches, where he has successfully claimed 40 wickets for Lancashire. In addition to Hartley, England’s spin arsenal includes Jack Leach and Rehan Ahmed.
Adding to the spin options, England can also rely on off-spinner Joe Root. The seasoned batsman Root has proven to be a formidable force with his off-spin, causing challenges for numerous opposing teams.
Notably, he showcased his bowling prowess by taking five wickets in an innings against India during the 2021 tour.
Jonny Bairstow will not do wicketkeeping
England has clarified its playing XI, indicating that the seasoned player Jonny Bairstow will not take on the wicketkeeping duties in the upcoming test match. Instead, Bairstow will feature solely as a batsman. The responsibility of wicketkeeping will be entrusted to Ben Fox for this particular test match.
England team record in India
The England cricket team is set to participate in a test match in Hyderabad for the first time, marking their debut in the longest format of the game at this venue. In the broader context of test cricket on Indian soil, the English team has contested 64 matches, securing victories in 14 of them.
India, on the other hand, has emerged triumphant in 22 matches, while 28 test matches have concluded in draws.
England team playing 11 for the first test
Jonny Bairstow, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Ben Stokes (c), Ben Foakes (wk), Rehan Ahmed, Jack Croll, Tom Hartley, Mark Wood, and Jack Leach.
AlsoRead: Pakistani cricketer Sarfaraz Ahmed told the reason for leaving Pakistan and shifting to England.
