England Reveals Playing XI for First Test Against India
England has officially revealed its playing eleven for the upcoming first Test against India, highlighting the return of seasoned fast bowler Chris Woakes. The team has made strategic changes, including the inclusion of Jamie Smith as the wicketkeeper-batsman and the positioning of Ollie Pope at number three. With these adjustments, England aims to strengthen its batting lineup. Meanwhile, Team India, led by Shubman Gill, is yet to disclose its squad. Read on for a detailed look at the playing XI and the implications of these selections.
Jun 19, 2025, 13:18 IST
England's Squad Announcement
On Wednesday, England announced its playing eleven for the first Test against India, marking the return of experienced fast bowler Chris Woakes to the lineup. Ollie Pope has been preferred over Jacob Bethel.
Woakes, who missed the last two Tests due to an ankle injury, replaces Sam Cook in the team, while Brydon Carse has been included in place of Gus Atkinson, who is sidelined with a hamstring issue.
Woakes has been positioned at number eight, allowing England to maintain a robust batting order, with Jamie Smith stepping in as the specialist wicketkeeper-batsman at number seven.
Prioritizing experience, the host team has placed vice-captain Ollie Pope at number three, opting to leave 21-year-old Bethel out of the squad. Team India, led by Shubman Gill, has yet to announce its playing eleven.
England's Playing XI for the First Test Against India
Jack Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper), Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, and Shoaib Bashir.