Stokes, Archer Return To England's Squad For First Two Tests vs India3Photo© indianexpress.com

Stokes, Archer Return To England's Squad For First Two Tests vs India

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The England National Selectors on Thursday named a strong 16-man squad for the first two Test matches against India. Star all-rounder Ben Stokes and pacer Jofra Archer have returned to the squad after being rested for the Sri Lanka series. Rory Burns, who did not travel to Sri Lanka to attend the birth of his first child also returns to Joe Root's side.

"Surrey’s Ollie Pope will travel to India and will be added to the squad when passed fit. Pope is recovering from a shoulder injury sustained in September during the Test series against Pakistan.

"The National Selectors have provided a block of rest for Jonathan Bairstow, Sam Curran and Mark Wood. The three players, who are currently in Sri Lanka, will miss the first and second Tests in India," ECB said in its official statement.