England announce squad for first Test against India; Ben Stokes makes a comeback
England have recalled Ben Stokes for the first Investec Test against India, which begins on July 9 at Trent Bridge.
Ben Stokes had a successful first-class career after a hand injury that he sustained in West Indies. He took career best figures of 7-67 for Durham against Sussex, and claimed a 10-wicket haul in the match. However, he hasn’t impressed with the bat as he managed only 172 runs in four championship games. However, it is not known if the all-rounder could be an automatic choice for the playing XI in the first Test at Nottingham.
National selector James Whitakar said that Stokes has some x-factor which could be handy in the first Test.
"He is now in a group with Chris Woakes and others and can show what he has got," Whitaker said. "Mainly, he is a vivacious character, he has some x-factor and he is fantastic on flat wickets.
"Ben has done really well over the last couple of weeks. He has bowled over 100 overs and has been in prime form with the ball in the last Championship match. Ben did remarkably well in the Ashes for a young player and he now comes with full vigour into our squad."
Also, England have not been tempted to include specialist spinner as the side is now balanced. However, they have Moeen Ali as the lone spinner who claimed three wickets in the Test series against Sri Lanka. He along with four pacers could be a successful combination for England against India.
Whitaker also said that the selectors will not rush for a specialist spinner.
"Everybody has become used to the success Graeme had brought to English cricket," Whitaker said. "He was remarkable. We knew we would have to rebalance the team and look at different options about how to go forward into the summer and beyond. We think we have a good balance now for the sort of wickets we play on in England.
"Moeen Ali will help the spin department and so will Joe Root. It is a different way of balancing the team but with four quality seamers as well we have a lot of depth. It is hard to get used to but we have to make it work. We have two or three youngish spinners operating in county cricket who we feel aren't quite ready yet, but in the meantime we have full confidence in Moeen to do a very good job."
Sam Robson, who scored his maiden Test hundred against Sri Lanka, has retained his place in the squad. England have six pacers in the squad, but it will be interesting to see whether Cook persist with the same combination that played in the two Tests against Sri Lanka.
Also, Cook who suffered first series loss at home as captain, gets support from the national selector Whitaker. "When any new players come into a team it will take a little time for a captain to get confidence in him, to know how they operate and build a relationship," Whitaker said. "We have every confidence that Alastair will do that. Certainly Moeen has shown with the bat how he can fit into this culture and environment and be confident."
Squad:
Alastair Cook (c), Sam Robson, Gary Ballance, Ian Bell, Joe Root, Moeen Ali, Matt Prior, Chris Jordan, Stuart Broad, Liam Plunkett, James Anderson, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes