Shoaib Bashir, a twenty-year-old spinner, was nominated to England’s 16-man squad for the five-Test series against India on Monday, alongside fellow uncapped spinners Gus Atkinson and Tom Hartley.
Bashir just made his first-class debut for Somerset in June, but he is one of four spinners on the tour, with vice-captain Ollie Pope and Jack Leach returning from injuries.
Fast bowler Atkinson and left-arm spinner Hartley have both played white-ball cricket for England but have yet to play a Test match.
After undergoing knee surgery following England’s disappointing 50-over World Cup campaign, Ben Stokes will skipper the side.
Wicketkeeper Ben Foakes is also included after being left out of England’s Ashes team, but Chris Woakes – player of the series in the 2-2 draw with Australia – is not.
James Anderson, England’s highest Test wicket-taker, leads the pace attack alongside Mark Wood and Ollie Robinson.
The first Test will take place on January 25 in Hyderabad.
Squad
Rehan Ahmed, James Anderson, Gus Atkinson, Jonny Bairstow, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ben Foakes, Tom Hartley, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Mark Wood, Ben Stokes (captain).
Fixtures
The first test will be held in Hyderabad from January 25 to 29.
The second test is scheduled for February 2-6 in Visakhapatnam.
The third test will be held in Rajkot from February 15 to 19.
Ranchi will host the fourth test on February 23-27.
Dharamsala, March 7-11, for the fifth test.