England announced their playing XI for the opening Test against India on the eve of the match on Wednesday.
Team India returns to action in Tests with a blockbuster five-match series against England, which starts January 25 in Hyderabad. With conditions likely to be spin-friendly, the series will pose a tough test for the visiting batters – as well as an inexperienced spinner lineup – as they take the field in the opening Test on Thursday. England have picked three spinners in their XI in Rehan Ahmed, Tom Hartley, and Jack Leach, for the first match in Hyderabad; from the trio, only Leach has previously played in India.
While Ahmed has only one Test appearance to his name (last year in Pakistan), Hartley is yet to make his red ball debut for England. In addition, star batter Joe Root can also roll his arm over when required. However, former England captain and broadcaster Nasser Hussain wasn’t particularly convinced with the spin options at England’s disposal, stating that it was the inexperience that led to the side picking four spinners in their XI.(HT)