Are Ben Foakes and Ben Stokes related: Why is Jos Buttler not playing today’s 2nd Test between India and England in Chennai?

Jos Buttler not playing: England have made as many as four changes to their Playing XI despite winning the last Test at the same venue.

During the first day of the second Test of the ongoing England’s tour of India in Chennai, India captain Virat Kohli has won the toss and chose to bat. Despite gaining an advantage by winning the toss, India lost opening batsman Shubman Gill (0) in only the second over.

England pacer Olly Stone, who is one of the four changes that the visitors have made for this match, drew first blood by finding Gill wanting in front of the stumps after the shouldered arms to an incoming delivery. Playing his first away Test, Stone justified his selection over Chris Woakes’ experience and control.

Among other changes, England have included wicket-keeper batsman Ben Foakes, all-rounder Moeen Ali and pacer Stuart Broad in place of wicket-keeper batsman Jos Buttler, spinner Dom Bess and pacer James Anderson.

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Foakes, 27, had last played a Test match more than two years ago. The right-hand batsman was a bit unfortunate to not have played more Tests despite scoring a century and half-century in his debut series in Sri Lanka in 2018.

As far as a speculation regarding Foakes being related to England Test vice-captain Ben Stokes, the same is not the case by any way. While Foakes represents Surrey in county cricket, Stokes plays for Durham.

Why is Jos Buttler not playing today’s 2nd Test between India and England?

Buttler, who had scored 30 and 24 in the first Test at the same venue, hasn’t been dropped because of any form-related concern. It is worth mentioning that Buttler was only part of the Test squad for the first Test. Having played a couple of Tests in Sri Lanka, Buttler has now returned back home and will travel again to India for the white-ball leg of this tour.

“We would have batted first as well. We gotta try and take early wickets. Hopefully, we can make some inroads this morning. With Jimmy [James Anderson], we are making sure he gets as much cricket as possible. With last two games, it gives him the best chance to be ready.

“Coming to this surface, We are trying to find the right balance and attack that we think is going to take 20 wickets played big first innings runs. it will be a different challenge here. We are full of confidence and have done the hard work. Chris Woakes is the one to miss out,” England captain Joe Root told Star Sports at the toss.