Related Link: India Tour of England 2014 | England Player Stats
All-rounder Ben Stokes has returned to the English Test team after recovering from a broken hand. England have added Ben Stokes to the same 12-man squad that had featured in the lost Test Series against Sri Lanka. Ben Stokes as we know was a revelation for England in the down under Ashes tour.
Ben Stokes
The 23-year-old Ben Stokes is the most exciting all-round prospect for England perhaps after Andrew Flintoff’s exit. This Durham lad can bowl reasonably quick and his left-handed batting has already produced a Test century for England, a quality knock against the Aussies. Stokes is quite early in his international career with just four Tests, 18 ODIs and 7 T20Is to his name. Stokes could well take the place of Chris Jordan while Chris Woakes could continue to be the 12th man.
England interestingly haven’t made any changes to their squad despite the defeat against Sri Lanka. Not a single player has been dropped or rested. There was speculation that a jaded James Anderson could be rested atleast for the starter of the 5-match Investec Test Series against India.
The hosts have also refused to add any specialist spin option in the squad. Looks like they are quite happy with Moeen Ali’s off breaks which were pretty decent in the series against Sri Lanka. England also do not have any great options to pick in the spin department following Graeme Swann’s retirement.
The first England vs India – Investec Test match begins on the 9th of this month and will be played at Trent Bridge in Nottingham.
England Squad for first Investec Test vs India: Alastair Cook (Captain), Sam Robson, Gary Ballance, Ian Bell, Joe Root, Moeen Ali, Matt Prior (Wicket Keeper), Chris Jordan, Stuart Broad, Liam Plunkett, James Anderson, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes