On Wednesday, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) declared the Indian team for the first three Test matches against England after Team India’s defeat in the three-match ODI series against England. While Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s inclusion in the Test squad is unsure since he is suffering from a lower back condition, Mohammed Shami has made a comeback in the team.
India pacer Jasprit Bumrah has been included in the 18-member squad and will be available from the Second Test depending upon the fast bowler’s fitness. Dinesh Kartik too, has been included in the squad along with young wicket keeper/batsman Rishabh Pant, who got his national call. Yuzvendra Chahal has missed out on the selection whereas the spin trio – Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav have been selected.
India’s squad for first three Tests against England: Virat Kohli (Captain), Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, M Vijay, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane (vice-captain), Karun Nair, Dinesh Karthik (wicketkeeper), Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Shardul Thakur.