England announces playing XI for the Test; Bazball go with 3 spinners and 1 pacer Mark Wood, leaving out James Anderson.

England has officially disclosed their playing XI for the inaugural Test in the five-game series against India, set to kick off in Hyderabad on Thursday, January 25. The seasoned fast bowler James Anderson has been omitted from the XI, signaling a spin-focused strategy under the leadership of captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum.

While the young off-spinner Shoaib Bashir faced visa-related obstacles, the English squad has opted for the remaining three spinners – Jack Leach, Tom Hartley, and Rehan Ahmed. This decision suggests an anticipation of a turning wicket, leading to the selection of only one pace option, Mark Wood. The batting lineup remains unchanged, reflecting the team’s commitment to the Bazball philosophy.

The absence of Harry Brook has paved the way for Ben Foakes to be included in the XI as a specialist wicketkeeper, with Jonny Bairstow securing his spot as a specialist batter.

The finalized England 11 includes: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes (Captain), Ben Foakes, Rehan Ahmed, Tom Hartley, Mark Wood, and Jack Leach.