Hartley to debut as England pick three frontline spinners for opening Test versus India

Left-arm spinner Tom Hartley will earn his maiden Test cap in the series opener against India at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. The 24-year-old Lancashire spinner is part of a three-pronged spin attack to be spearheaded by experienced campaigner Jack Leach. Rehan Ahmed is the leg-spinner in the XI leaving place for just a solo quick, Mark Wood.

Hartley has bagged 40 wickets from 20 first class appearances at a modest average of 36.57. However, left-arm spin has ailed India in home Tests at times, given their right-heavy top-order. England also have the services of Joe Root’s off-spin to call upon should they need it. The lynchpin even claimed a five-fer on the last tour of India, in 2021.

England’s XI for Hyderabad: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes (C), Ben Foakes (wk), Rehan Ahmed, Tom Hartley, Mark Wood, Jack Leach