England have named squads for first two tests against India

On the month of February, England will tour India for a long series, which consists of four tests, five T20Is and 3 ODIs respectively. Only three venues have been selected to host this mega series, as due to stringent COVID-19 protocols. Few days back, Indian Cricket Team have announced their Squads for first two tests. Now, ita time for England.

England have named a 16 member squad foe first two tests against India, which both is scheduled to be held at M.A Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. Along with a 16 member squad, 6 reserve players were also added among the touring party. 

England's Squad - Joe Root (c), Jofra Archer, Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Dom Bess, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Zak Crawley, Ben Foakes, Dan Lawrence, Jake Leach, Dom Sibley, Ben Stokes, Olly Stone and Chris Woakes

Six Member Reserve - James Bracey, Mason Crane, Saqib Mahmood, Mathew Parkinson, Ollie Robinson and Amar Virdi

Jofra Archer, Rory Burns and Ben Stokes return to the squad. Archer and Stokes were rested for the Sri Lanka series and Burns was at home for the birth of his first child.

Surrey’s Ollie Pope will travel to India and will be added to the squad when passed fit. Pope is recovering from a shoulder injury sustained in September during the Test series against Pakistan. 

The National Selectors have provided a block of rest for Jonathan Bairstow, Sam Curran and Mark Wood. The three players, who are currently in Sri Lanka, will miss the first and second Tests in India.

This is consistent with the selection policy of finding a block of rest for all multi-format players at some point during post-Christmas winter schedule.

With Archer and Stokes returning, and subject to fitness of the rest of the squad, Somerset’s Craig Overton will return home after the Sri Lanka series.