ENGLAND have picked three uncapped players in the first Test squad of their new era, under Peter Moores.

Opener Sam Robson and all-rounders Chris Jordan and Moeen Ali are all in line to make their debuts at Lord’s against Sri Lanka next week.

There is also room, in a 12-man squad, for Liam Plunkett and another pace option in Chris Woakes.

But Jos Buttler will not be making a Test debut yet, with Matt Prior fit after an Achilles injury to return as wicketkeeper.

National selector James Whitaker explained the promotion of all the potential new caps, in a list showing six changes from the team which lost England’s last Test in Sydney to conclude their miserable Ashes whitewash.

The start of Sydneyborn Robson’s Test career for England, on his home ground as a Middlesex batsman, will be especially notable.

He appears to have been a unanimous pick as Alastair Cook’s new opening partner in place of Michael Carberry, who did the job in the Ashes.

Whitaker said: “The winter form (showed) his excellence – five hundreds there, and he showed some great characteristics.

“He has a great attitude and is very fit, focused and disciplined – all the attributes Peter and Alastair want in their squad.

“All along, Sam has had the hallmarks of the next England opening batter.”

England’s selectors have been particularly impressed by Plunkett’s pace so far this season.

“He has shown all the hallmarks of a spearhead fast bowler,” said Whitaker.

“He’s had some really quick spells, 90mph. One of his quickest was at Lord’s, a few weeks ago, so he’ll be confident there.”

Prior is given the chance to restate his case at the highest level – having been dropped for the final two Ashes Tests and then recovering from an Achilles injury in the nick of time.

Squad

AN Cook (capt), MM Ali, JM Anderson, GS Ballance, IR Bell, SCJ Broad, CJ Jordan, LE Plunkett, MJ Prior (wkt), SD Robson, JE Root, CR Woakes