The five-match Test series is slated to get underway on January 25.
Surprisingly, the playing XI doesn’t feature veteran pacer James Anderson, who is on his sixth tour to India. The 41-year-old boasts an impressive record on Indian soil as well, claiming 34 wickets from 13 Tests at an average of 29.32.
England’s line-up includes three tweakers with Lancashire's left-arm spinner Tom Hartley set to make his Test debut in Hyderabad. Left-arm orthodox Jack Leach will lead the spin department, also featuring right-arm leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed.
Mark Wood is the only fast bowler named in the Three Lions XI for the opening Test against India.
The dynamic duo of Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett will open the innings for the visitors, followed by Ollie Pope, Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow.
Skipper Ben Stokes, who will be playing as a specialist batter in the series after recovering from a knee surgery, is slotted to bat at No. 6. Ben Foakes is the designated wicketkeeper-batter in the playing XI.
England’s playing XI for Hyderabad Test: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes (c), Ben Foakes (wk), Rehan Ahmed, Tom Hartley, Mark Wood, Jack Leach