Kuldeep, Akshar return to Test; Jurel also got a place in the team of 16 players

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Mumbai The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Friday announced its 16-member squad for the first two Tests of the upcoming five-match series against England, with Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel returning to the national team. The first match will start from January 25 in Hyderabad.

Veteran fast bowler Mohammed Shami, who is returning after an ankle injury, has been kept out of the first two Tests.

The 33-year-old fast bowler has been out of action since the ODI World Cup final in November 2023 due to injury.

The seam attack, led by vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah, includes the fiery duo of Mohammed Siraj and the promising talents of Mukesh Kumar and Avesh Khan. Shami’s absence opened the door for these young fast bowlers to make their mark on the international stage.

In the spin department, the strong duo of R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja will be supported by the returning Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel.

A new face emerged in the form of Dhruv Jurel. Hailing from Uttar Pradesh, the wicketkeeper-batsman has made his debut in the team, adding depth to the wicketkeeping department along with KL Rahul and KS Bharat.

Ishan Kishan, who took a break from the ongoing T20 series against Afghanistan, has been left out of the team. Despite failing to make it to the playing eleven on the South Africa tour, Avesh Khan has been given a chance once again.

Centurion’s debutant Prasidh Krishna will have to miss the Ranji Trophy due to injury.

Indian squad for the first two Tests vs England: Rohit Sharma (captain), S Gill, Y Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, S Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), KS Bharat (wk), Dhruv Jurel (wk), R Ashwin, R Jadeja, Akshar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah (vice captain), Avesh Khan.

–IANS

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