Jos Buttler only available for the 1st Test against India

England's first choice wicketkeeper Jos Buttler will be available only for the 1st Test against India. The 4-match Test series is set to start from 5th February 2021. After playing the 1st Test, Buttler is reported to fly back to attend IPL 2021, as he's part of the Rajasthan Royals. 

Buttler will have to travel back in accordance with England’s rest policy. All multi-format players will have some rest during the post-Christmas winter schedule. Using this policy, the Board of England Cricket wishes to protect the best interest of its players. As per schedule, England are set to play 17 Test Matches this year.

In the absence of Buttler, England cricketer Ben Foakes might get a chance to don the gloves for England in the remaining 3 Test matches. The Three Lions recently announced its squad for the upcoming Test series against India. 

England to rest Jonny Bairstow, Sam Curran and Mark Wood for the 1st 2 Tests

Jonny Bairstow will not be part of the 1st 2 Tests against the Men in Blue. The England selection committee give the players some rest after a hectic schedule. Jofra Archer, Rory Burns and Ben Stokes have been added to the squad to replace the trio. Wood’s exclusion from the squad will provide Ollie Pope with a chance to prove himself. Adil Rashid will also not join England’s squad as he continues his rehabilitation from a shoulder injury. 

Talking before the squad’s announcement, skipper Joe Root was pleased with the competition within the squad. Root believes that this helps the players to push each other. Root also stated that the return of Jofra Archer and Ben Stokes will hugely benefit the team.

India announced its Test squad. This time, Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, Ishant Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah will be available. The England tour of India will surely be a nail biting encounter.