England Cricket Team has revealed their playing XI for the first Test match against India at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad. Surprisingly, the management has not included the veteran pacer James Anderson in the playing XI for the first Test match against India.
The team has opted for a spin-heavy side and has handed a debut to Tom Hartley for the opening Test of the 5-match series. The match is scheduled to take place at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.
England has selected Mark Wood as the sole pacer for the first Test against India, alongside spinners Jack Leach, Tom Hartley, and Rehan Ahmed. Unfortunately, Shoaib Bashir faced visa issues and was unable to enter India, prompting him to return to the United Kingdom to address the matter. There is a chance that he can rejoin the squad before the second Test in Vizag.
Anderson’s performance in the Ashes 2023 series, coupled with the expectation of limited seam movement in Indian conditions, may have influenced the decision to exclude him from the playing XI.
Left-arm off-spinner Tom Hartley is set to make his debut in the series, with comparisons being drawn to England’s version of Axar Patel. The India Test series will pose a significant challenge for Tom Hartley as he looks to make an impact with his left-arm spin.
England Playing XI for 1st Test
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes (C), Ben Foakes, Rehan Ahmed, Tom Hartley, Mark Wood, Jack Leach.
