England confirm Ben Stokes to make his Test return against India

Joe Root admits he was forced to make one of the most difficult decisions of his career in dropping Sam Curran for the third Test against India at Trent Bridge.

Root said: It was one of the most difficult decisions Ive had to make as captain. Its about us as a squad delivering over five games and on this occasion Sam is unfortunate to miss out.

Ben is desperate to get back playing cricket. Hes desperate to get out there, put in performances and concentrate on his cricket now. He feels ready to play.

England Team vs India | Third Test

Alastair Cook
Keaton Jennings
Joe Root (c)
Ollie Pope
Jonny Bairstow (w)
Ben Stokes
Jos Buttler
Chris Woakes
Adil Rashid
Stuart Broad
James Anderson

Curran, 20, was named man of the match after the first Test at Edgbaston, after he claimed five wickets and scored 87 runs in just his second Test.

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What Sam has done so far has been nothing short of high class, Root added.

All-rounder Stokes, 27, missed the second Test at Lords while he was on trial for his involvement in a fracas in Bristol in September.

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