England on Thursday named Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer in the squad for India’s tour next month as skipper Joe Root said the two will be a major boost for the side looking for a crucial series win.
Stokes and Archer have missed England’s recent matches in Sri Lanka.
The star duo along with Rory Burns will be back with the team as England announced a 16-member squad for the opening two of the four Tests in India starting February 5 in Chennai.
“I expect India to be full of confidence and in their own conditions they are a very good team. They play some very good cricket,” he told reporters before of the official announcement.
“We have to be at our absolute best. But that’s an exciting prospect for us, a great opportunity for us, it’s a great way to aid our development as a side.
Jonathan Bairstow, Sam Curran and Mark Wood, who are currently in Sri Lanka, have been rested for the first two India matches.
England selector Ed Smith said wicketkeeper Jos Buttler will return home after the opening Test in Chennai.
England will travel to India from Sri Lanka and will play five T20 matches and three one-day internationals after the Tests.