Senior bowler James Anderson was left out of the 16-man England squad for the Paytm Test series against hosts India starting with the first Test in Rajkot from November 9-13. There is no change in the squad that is currently in Bangladesh for the two-match Test series. Suffering from a shoulder injury, Anderson is expected to join the group in December when he is fully fit.
England are also without Mark Wood, the Durham fast bowler owing to an ankle injury, but an extra seamer has not been named. While Stuart Broad, Chris Woakes, Ben Stokes, Steven Finn and Jake Ball provide the fast and seam bowling options, England’s spin attack comprises Moeen Ali, Adil Rashid, Gareth Batty and Zafar Ansari.
England will fly back home after the fifth Test in Chennai (December 16-20) for Christmas and will return for three-match ODI and T20I series after the break.
England squad: Alastair Cook (captain), Moeen Ali, Zafar Ansari, Jonny Bairstow (wicket-keeper), Jake Ball, Gary Ballance, Gareth Batty, Stuart Broad, Jos Buttler, Ben Duckett, Steven Finn, Haseeb Hameed, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes
