England have named uncapped trio Chris Jordan, Sam Robson and Moeen Ali in the squad for the first Test against Sri Lanka at Lord’s on 12 June.
Sussex fast bowler Jordan, 25, took 12 wickets in the one-day series with Sri Lanka, while Ali, 26, played in three ODIs in the West Indies last winter.
Opening batsman Robson, 24, averages 51 for Middlesex this season.
Wicketkeeper Matt Prior is included, while bowler Liam Plunkett returns after a seven-year Test absence.
Plunkett, 29, has enjoyed a resurgence at Yorkshire, where he is bowling with real pace, often touching 90mph. He has taken 24 wickets at an average of 24, while he has a highest score of 86 with the bat.
“It’s very exciting for Liam,” said national selector James Whitaker. “He’s shown all the hallmarks of a spearhead fast bowler.
“He’s bowled some really quick spells. The quickest was at Lord’s. He’ll be confident there and we wish him well.”
There is no place for Durham all-rounder Ben Stokes, who was one of the few positives to emerge from England’s disastrous Ashes whitewash over the winter.
The 23-year-old has only just returned to action after breaking a hand when he punched a locker after being dismissed in a one-day international against West Indies in March.
“Ben Stokes is very much part of England’s future,” said Whitaker. “Just at the moment we would like to see a few more overs under his belt, but he will be back soon.”
Opening batsman Michael Carberry, wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow, leg-spinner Scott Borthwick and pace bowler Boyd Rankin miss out after playing in England’s final Test of the 5-0 defeat by Australia.
Kevin Pietersen was not available for selection after being told he was no longer part of the national team’s plans in February, while Jonathan Trott is still recovering from a stress-related illness.
Lancashire wicketkeeper Jos Buttler, who struck the fastest ODI century by an England batsman during the Sri Lanka series also misses the cut.
England will hope Sussex keeper Prior, 32, can rediscover his best form after being dropped during the Ashes series following poor form with the bat. He has only recently returned from an Achilles injury to play for his county.
He averages 40 with the bat in his 75 Tests, and Whitaker said: “Our number one priority is someone being 100% fit and we’re confident Matt is, we believe he can be part of that core group of players that can drive the team forward over the next three or four years.
“Very few people go through their careers without a blip but he is just the soft of character we want in that team.”
The second match in the two-Test series begins at Headingley on 20 June.
Full squad: Alastair Cook (Essex), Moeen Ali (Worcestershire), James Anderson (Lancashire), Gary Ballance (Yorkshire), Ian Bell (Warwickshire), Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire), Chris Jordan (Sussex), Liam Plunkett (Yorkshire), Matt Prior (Sussex), Sam Robson (Middlesex), Joe Root (Yorkshire), Chris Woakes (Warwickshire).
