Sussex wicketkeeper Matt Prior has reclaimed his place in the England Test team.

Prior takes over behind the stumps from Tim Ambrose for the first Test which starts against India tomorrow.

Prior has been out of the team for a year since making the last of his ten Test appearances.

Graeme Swann is the other main beneficiary of England's decision to resume their tour of India after being handed his debut in the Chepauk Stadium.

The 29-year-old Nottinghamshire off-spinner has been included nine years after being selected for the Millennium tour to South Africa, when he failed to impress new coach Duncan Fletcher and was sidelined for the remainder of his reign.

He replaces injured seamer Stuart Broad and will partner former Northamptonshire team-mate Monty Panesar.

It represents a significant gamble by the tourists at a stadium which was baked in sunshine today following yesterday's rain against an Indian side renowned for their ability against spin.

Asked about the decision to recall Prior, who struggled for runs during the one-day series several weeks ago, captain Kevin Pietersen said: “I think Matty Prior gives us a much better option with the bat.

“I'm really keen on his batting and I think he's improved tremendously with his keeping so it's about time he gets a run as well.

“The one-day series was a tough tour for everybody. The four weeks we were out here was pretty tough and he is not the only one who has lost a bit of confidence over the last month.”