/betbarter/media/agency_attachments/3YXcMKaocLoKtpo5Mw2o.png)
/betbarter/media/post_banners/67czUTjezqgyXY04pu10.jpg)
Jofra Archer-Ben Stokes
The England cricket board announced Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer's availability for India's tour next month. England Test skipper Joe Root said that the duo would be a massive boost for the team. Both Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer have missed the ongoing test series against Sri Lanka as the management decided to rotate the squad to allow players to rest during the pandemic. The star all-rounders along with Rory Burns will head to India as the board declared a 16-member squad. The first matches between India and England will take place in Chennai. In the ongoing tour of Sri Lanka, captain Joe Root has been at his best. Root scored 228 runs in the opening Test and helped England win the match by seven wickets. The bowlers twice bundled out the hosts in Galle.
Jonathan Bairstow, Sam Curran and Mark Wood have also been rested for the first two games matches against India. England batsman Ollie Pope will also travel to India for the upcoming series in February. Joe Root stated that it is essential to give players a rest from bubble life. This year's cricket calendar for the England side is full as it also includes the T20 World Cup. England is expected to play about 17 Test matches by the end of this year. It is crucial to keep all the players fit and fresh for all the formats.
We have to be at our best against India: Joe Root
Joe Root feels that the England team will have to perform their best if they have to defeat a team like India. The hosts are coming off a historic series victory in Australia.
Root, who won the Man of the Match in the first Test against Sri Lanka, is currently focussing on the second Test that begins on Friday. The visitors lead the two-match series 1-0, and the final match will start on Friday in Galle. After the Sri Lankan tour, the side will head to India for a four-test series, with the first Test match to be played in Chennai, February 5. Both the teams will also play five T20 games and three ODIs.