India are missing three major batsmen - openers KL Rahul and Shikhar Dhawan, and Rohit Sharma - because of injures for the first two Tests against England. Allrounder Hardik Pandya has been included in the Test squad for the first time in his career.Fast bowler Ishant Sharma returned to the 15-man squad after missing the Test series against New Zealand because of an illness. Bhuvneshwar Kumar had recovered from the hamstring injury he suffered during the second Test against New Zealand but was not picked because he had not played a first-class game since.Rohit sustained an injury to his upper thigh during the ODI series against New Zealand, and is expected to be sidelined for six to eight weeks, and might need surgery too. That put him out of the series. There was no like-for-like replacement for Rohit, which could mean a debut for Karun Nair or Pandya in Rajkot unless India play five specialist bowlers.Gautam Gambhir, who scored a second-innings fifty in his comeback Test against New Zealand in Indore, was set to continue as the opener for the first Test at least. He had returned to the Test squad because of the injuries to Rahul and Dhawan. Rahul missed the last two Tests and the ODIs against New Zealand because of a hamstring injury, and Dhawan was ruled out for the third Test and the limited-overs contests because of a thumb injury.Fast bowler Shardul Thakur was dropped from the squad after coming in as a replacement during the Tests against New Zealand. That he would concede his place once Ishant regained fitness was expected. What was not expected was the selection of Barodas Pandya, who has played just 16 first-class matches and taken 22 wickets at an average of 33. He has already played four ODIs and 16 T20 internationals. He featured in the 2016 World T20, and was the Man of the Match on his ODI debut.MSK Prasad, the chairman of selectors, saw Pandya bowl on India As tour of Australia, a tour that first paved his way into the ODI side and now into the Test squad.Pandyas pace has increased, he is moving the ball, his batsmanship has improved, Prasad said. And he has mellowed down as a person. He is one allrounder we thought is an equally competent bowler and batsman. And a good fielder too.Rahul Dravid has worked hard on the mental side of his game. Now Anil Kumble is guiding him. We have three allrounders - Stuart Binny, Hardik Pandya, Rishi Dhawan. In this particular series, he scores ahead of Binny. Much quicker and better bowler than Stuart. With form and fitness, Hardik is a better option.India are presently the No. 1 ranked team in Tests, following their 3-0 victory against New Zealand. The first Test against England is in Rajkot from November 9, and the second in Visakhapatnam from November 17.Squad Virat Kohli (capt.), R Ashwin, Gautam Gambhir, Ravindra Jadeja, Amit Mishra, Mohammad Shami, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Wriddhiman Saha, Karun Nair, M Vijay, Umesh Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Ishant Sharma, Jayant Yadav Brad Miller Jersey . In the response filed Wednesday to the complaint by 30-year-old Alexander Bradley, attorneys say the former University of Florida player is invoking his Fifth Amendment right that protects people from incriminating themselves. Wilson Ramos Jersey . LOUIS -- Heading into the final stretch of the season, the issues for the Chicago Bears banged-up defence only seem to be getting worse. http://www.officialraysgearshop.com/Rays-Joey-Wendle-Kids-Jersey/ . The 43-year-old closer, in his 19th and final big league season, has said hed like to play the outfield. Yankees manager Joe Girardi says hes thinking about allowing Rivera to do it this weekend, when the Yankees finish their season with a three-game series at the Houston Astros. Adeiny Hechavarria Jersey . -- An ugly goal by Nick Bonino helped the Anaheim Ducks overcome the defensive-minded Phoenix Coyotes on a night when their ragged power play continued to struggle. Christian Arroyo Jersey . Collaros, 25, was solid last season, posting a 5-2 record as the starter while incumbent Ricky Ray was injured. Collaros also started Torontos 23-20 regular-season finale loss to Montreal — Ray didnt dress because the Argos had already clinched first in the East Division — but was one of three quarterbacks to play that day.Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew says that little errors are costing his side following their 2-1 defeat to Man City. Yaya Toure scored either side of Connor Wickhams second-half equaliser as City secured the win to move level on points with Liverpool at the top of the table.And Pardew was left disappointed, claiming his side gifted Pep Guardiolas side both goals. We gifted them two goals and you cant do that with this team., Pardew told Sky Sports. Alan Pardew felt his side deserved something from the game Take those two incidents away and weve competed really well. We looked a lot stronger defensively and the group had a good psychology about it. We went out and we created chances and could have had something out of the game, perhaps we should of.The little errors are costing us and both goals we should have stopped. Pardew said his side competed really well during the game Pardew did praise the impact of substitute Wickham after he scored his second successive goal in the Premier League.ddddddddddddes in good form, Pardew said. Hes shown it in training and I had no hesitation [in bringing him on at half-time] because we needed a bit more impact on their back four. Pardew praised both Christian Benteke (L) and Connor Wickham (R) He did that and certainly hes pushing [for a starting spot].Christian [Benteke] I thought was terrific today, Pardew added. He didnt really get a chance but his work rate and energy was exemplary.As a pair I think we caused them problems. Also See: Toure the hero on CIty return WATCH: Pardew reaction Table Live on Sky ' ' '