England announce Playing XI for first Test against India, three spinners included with one debutant hints at another rank-turner

With just one day to go for the first test at Hyderabad of the five-test match series against India, England have announced their playing XI, a day prior for the same. To the expectations of many cricket pundits, they are going with a bowling attack dominated by three spinners as the wicket at the Rajiv Gandhi Uppal Stadium is expected to be conducive to spin bowling. 

England has gone in with three spinners in their playing XI in the form of Jack Leach, Rehan Ahmed, and Tom Hartley. Though it looks like a relatively inexperienced spin attack with only Jack Leach having some experience playing international cricket in India three spinners of England bring variety to their attack. 

Lack of spinners will be the biggest challenge for English bowlers 

Jack Leach is an orthodox left-arm pacer who has played 35 test matches for England and has taken 124 wickets at an average of 34.18. On the other hand, Rehand Ahmed is a vile leg spinner who made his debut against Pakistan last year has played only one test match but showed amazing temperament in his lone test match by picking 7 wickets it.

Meanwhile, the upcoming match against India will witness the debut of the third spinner, Tom Hartley. The 24-year-old left-arm spinner is yet to make his mark in Test cricket but previously showcased his skills for England in a single ODI last year against Ireland. With a record of 40 wickets at an average of 36.57, including a notable five-wicket haul, Hartley brings promising credentials from his 20 first-class matches.

Mark Wood stands as the sole specialist pacer, accompanied by Ben Stokes himself. Stokes emphasized the impact of having one seamer, citing Wood’s pace and reverse swing at 90 miles as a valuable weapon. Despite the presence of the experienced James Anderson in the squad, he has not been selected for the opening Test, where the pitch is anticipated to favor spin bowling, a scenario the visiting team had already foreseen.”

Jak Crawley and Ben Duckett will open the innings for England followed by Ollie Pope at No.3. Whereas, their premier batter Joe Root will play at No.4. Interestingly, England have gone in with both their wicketkeeping options- Jonny Bairstow and Ben Foakes in the playing XI with the latter taking on the keeping reigns.

England XI for 1st Test:

1. Zak Crawley, 2. Ben Duckett, 3. Ollie Pope, 4. Joe Root, 5. Jonny Bairstow, 6. Ben Stokes (captain), 7. Ben Foakes, 8. Rehan Ahmed, 9. Tom Hartley, 10. Mark Wood, 11. Jack Leach