India v England: Gus Atkinson, Tom Hartley and Shoaib Bashir earn first Test call-ups, no place for Chris Woakes

England have named uncapped spin bowlers Tom Hartley (Lancashire) and Shoaib Bashir (Somerset) in their squad for a five Test tour of India, while Surrey fast-bowler Gus Atkinson has also been given his first call-up.

Chris Woakes, who starred in the Ashes series with Australia in the summer, is not included, having recently conceded that it would be a “stupid” idea to pick him given his record overseas.

Leicestershire’s 19-year-old spin-bowler Rehan Ahmed is also recalled, having impressed on the sub-continent when he took five wickets on his Test debut in Pakistan last December.

Ben Foakes is also back as an alternative wicket-keeper to Jonny Bairstow, while Ben Stokes will captain the side, depending on his recovery from recent knee surgery.

There are no big surprises to the batting options, with vice-captain Ollie Pope back in the Test set-up having injured his shoulder in the second Ashes match with Australia.

Without the now retired Stuart Broad, England’s record Test wicket-taker James Anderson will tour India once again, at the age of 41. Atkinson, who has been capped in ODIs and T20s, took 20 wickets in five County Championship matches for title-winning Surrey, is one of only four quicks - with Mark Wood and Ollie Robinson also selected, though Stokes could make a bowling return.

Hartley, Bashir and Ahmed will offer England further spin options, in addition to Jack Leach, in conditions which are likely to suit the slower bowlers. Hartley and Bashir have both been part of the England Lions squad which has been training in the United Arab Emirates. While Hartley had been tipped for a call-up, 20-year-old Bashir earns his spot despite playing just six first class matches, taking 10 wickets at an average of 67.00.

Despite Woakes playing a key role in England’s final three Ashes Tests, the all-rounder has not been picked. Speaking recently to Wisden Cricket Monthly, he said: “I’d be stupid to think about going to India and what that might throw up.

“I’ve been to India many times before. It hasn’t worked. I’ve tried many different things and I feel like for England to win in India, I’m probably not the answer, and that’s just me being honest.”

England will be hoping to record a first Test series win in India since 2012/2013, with the first match starting in Hyderabad on Thursday, January 25.

Ben Stokes (Durham, captain), Rehan Ahmed (Leicestershire), James Anderson (Lancashire), Gus Atkinson (Surrey), Jonny Bairstow (Yorkshire), Shoaib Bashir (Somerset), Harry Brook (Yorkshire), Zak Crawley (Kent), Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire), Ben Foakes (Surrey), Tom Hartley (Lancashire), Jack Leach (Somerset), Ollie Pope (Surrey), Ollie Robinson (Sussex), Joe Root (Yorkshire), Mark Wood (Durham).

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