ENG vs IND 2018: England Announces Squad for First Test against India

The hosts England have announced a 13-man squad for the first Test against India, starting August 1st in Edgbaston, Birmingham.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have included the white-ball specialist Adil Rashid for the first game. Apart from him, Essex seamer Jamie Porter has also been added to the list. Joe Root-led England has openers in the name of Keaton Jennings and former captain, Alastair Cook.

Adil Rashid has been a sensational performer for England in the limited overs format. He has been a consistent wicket-taker for England in the limited overs format. Hence he was picked for the Test series. However, he has not played any county first-class cricket for a long time. He has some sour relations with Yorkshire. Moreover, he had also called it quits from Test cricket a year ago. However, given his impressive showing, he deserved a call-up to the Test squad.

Trevor Bayliss had hinted of Rashid’s selection

Head coach Trevor Bayliss had hinted at the possible inclusion of Rashid to the Test squad. He is an experienced campaigner. However, it won’t be an easy job for him in front of a strong Indian batting line-up. Meanwhile, former English skipper, Michael Atherton was not in favour of Rashid’s selection in the longest format. He felt that Rashid hasn’t played enough red ball cricket to make himself eligible for selection. But he has got a chance and will look to make an impact.

Coming back to the batting order, the hosts have named Dawid Malan, Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler and Moeen Ali. They will occupy the middle and the lower middle order. All-rounder Ben Stokes has been named in the squad for the opening Test.

The fast bowling department includes James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Sam Curran. The verbal duels between Kohli and Anderson have already started. Hence it will be interesting to witness another intense battle to begin in four days time.

Here is the squad –

Alastair Cook, Keaton Jennings, Dawid Malan, Joe Root (c), Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler, Moeen Ali, Ben Stokes, Adil Rashid, Stuart Broad, James Anderson, Sam Curran and Jamie Porter.