Buttler, Woakes to return in England squad for Mohali Test

Mohali (Punjab) [India], Nov.25 (ANI): England skipper Alastair Cook has confirmed that wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler and pacer Chris Woakes will return to the side for the third Test of the five-match series against India beginning on Saturday here at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium. Buttler has been brought in place of Ben Duckett, while Woakes will replace injured Stuart Broad in the England squad. "Stuart is definitely out. And Chris Woakes is definitely in," ESPNcricinfo quoted Cook as saying. Describing Buttler as a very talented player, Cook said that the pacer is among the best short-form players in the world. "Jos is an extremely talented cricketer and we've all seen that in the one-day and Twenty20 format. He's right up there with the best short-form players in the world and he's earned an opportunity to come and play here," the opener said. The England skipper, however, said that his side are not looking forward to hand gloves to Buttler as Johnny Bairstow has been doing a great job. "There was no temptation to give Jos the gloves back. I think Jonny's been outstanding and has settled in that role and done very well," he said. While talking about Duckett's omission, Cook described the decision to drop the former as "a blip" in a promising young player's career, but expressed confidence in his long-term future. "Ben won't be the only good player who has been dropped. He has an England future, there's no doubt about it, because he's a very talented guy with a lot ahead of him," Cook said. Cook also informed that Zafar Ansari was not fit for selection, but refused to name the full squad until he inspects the pitch and decide whether a third spinner or fourth seamer would be more appropriate. Off-spinner Gareth Batty likely to come in place of Ansari for the third Test. England are currently trailing by 0-1 in the series following their massive 246-run defeat against India in the second Test in Visakhapatnam. The opening match between two sides ended in a pale draw in Rajkot. (ANI)