England have confirmed their playing XI for the opening Test against India at Headingley, starting Friday, June 20, with Ollie Pope retaining the crucial No.3 batting position, edging out rising star Jacob Bethell.
Despite Bethell’s impressive performances during England’s New Zealand tour and white-ball series against the West Indies, the selectors have opted for experience. Pope’s commanding 171-run knock against Zimbabwe last month appears to have sealed his place.
🏏 England’s Playing XI for 1st Test vs India
- Zak Crawley
- Ben Duckett
- Ollie Pope
- Joe Root
- Harry Brook
- Ben Stokes (captain)
- Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper)
- Chris Woakes
- Brydon Carse
- Josh Tongue
- Shoaib Bashir
🔄 Key Inclusions and Talking Points
- Chris Woakes returns to the Test side for the first time since December, bolstering the seam attack.
- Brydon Carse is set to play his first home Test, having previously impressed overseas.
- Jacob Bethell, who was in contention for the No.3 spot, misses out after prioritizing IPL commitments over the Zimbabwe Test.
England’s managing director Rob Key described the selection as a choice between “two brilliant options,” while captain Ben Stokes dismissed speculation of favoritism, calling the debate “an agenda.”
🇮🇳 India’s Line-Up Still Under Wraps
India, led by new Test captain Shubman Gill, are expected to reveal their XI at the toss. However, Rishabh Pant has confirmed that Gill will bat at No.4.
The match marks the beginning of the Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy and the 2025–27 World Test Championship cycle, setting the stage for a high-stakes summer of cricket.
Stay tuned for live updates and match highlights.
