Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer again for first two Tests in opposition to India

Explosive all-rounder Ben Stokes and pacer Jofra Archer on Thursday returned to a 16-member sturdy England squad named for the primary two Tests of the upcoming four-match sequence in opposition to India.
The England selectors additionally named six travelling reserves for the primary and second matches, to be held on the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai from February 5.
Both Stokes and Archer had been rested for the continued two-match Test sequence in Sri Lanka, whereas Rory Burns was at dwelling for the start of his little one.
The crew will proceed to be led by Joe Root.
Surrey’s Ollie Pope will journey to India and will likely be added to the squad when handed match. Pope is recovering from a shoulder harm sustained in September in the course of the Test sequence in opposition to Pakistan.
The nationwide selectors have supplied relaxation to Jonathan Bairstow, Sam Curran and Mark Wood. The three gamers, who’re at the moment in Sri Lanka, will miss the primary and second Tests in India.
“This is consistent with the selection policy of finding a block of rest for all multi-format players at some point during post-Christmas winter schedule,” the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) stated in a launch.
With Archer and Stokes returning, and topic to health of the remainder of the squad, Somerset’s Craig Overton will return dwelling after the Sri Lanka sequence.
Squad for first two Tests: Joe Root, Jofra Archer, Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Dom Bess, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Zak Crawley, Ben Foakes, Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Ben Stokes, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes.