Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer to spearhead England’s test tour of India

Pacer Jofra Archer and all-rounder Ben Stokes will spearhead England’s test tour of India after being named Thursday in the 16-man squad for the start of the four-match series, The Associated Press reported.

Stokes and Archer were both rested from England’s ongoing tour of Sri Lanka but return alongside opener Rory Burns, who has been on paternity leave, The Associated Press reported.

The squad covers the first two tests in Chennai next month, starting Feb. 5, with further updates expected before the third and fourth matches in Ahmedabad.

The England and Wales Cricket Board has ramped up its rotation policy this winter, mindful of the psychological demands placed on players in an era of bio-secure bubbles and quarantine.

England and India will also play a five-match Twenty20 series in Ahmedabad and three one-day internationals in Pune.