The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has unveiled a 14-player squad for the opening Test of the five-match series against India, set to begin on 20 June at Headingley in Leeds. All-rounder Jamie Overton has been handed a recall, nearly three years after making his only Test appearance—also against New Zealand at Headingley in June 2022.
Overton recently fractured the little finger on his right hand during the first ODI against the West Indies on 29 May. He is currently under daily observation by the ECB’s medical staff.
Also returning to the squad are pace duo Brydon Carse and Chris Woakes, both of whom missed the recent one-off Test due to minor injuries. Carse featured in county cricket for Durham to prove his fitness, while Woakes is expected to turn out for England Lions in their second unofficial match against India A.
All-rounder Jacob Bethell is back in the Test mix, having missed the match against Zimbabwe.
Josh Tongue, who missed the 2024 international season due to injury, also features and is set to take part in the England Lions fixture against India A in Northampton this week alongside Woakes as part of preparations.
However, England will be without Gus Atkinson, who has been ruled out of the first Test with a hamstring strain sustained during last month’s Test against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge.
Sam Cook, who made his Test debut against Zimbabwe, retains his place but is likely to begin the series as a reserve option, given Woakes’ return.
England Squad for 1st Test vs India:
Ben Stokes (capt), Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes.
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