England have confirmed their playing XI for the opening Test of the five-match series against India, set to begin on June 20 at Headingley, Leeds. Ollie Pope retains his position at number three, while Jacob Bethell misses out. Veteran all-rounder Chris Woakes returns to the side after missing the one-off Test against Zimbabwe.
Pope had been under scrutiny following Bethell’s impressive Test debut during England’s winter tour of New Zealand. The Surrey batter had shifted down the order and taken over wicketkeeping duties in the absence of Jamie Smith during that series.
However, Pope silenced critics with a commanding century at Trent Bridge, joining fellow top-order batters Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett in reaching three figures. As a result, England have stuck with the same batting order that featured against Zimbabwe.
The bowling department sees two changes from the side that played in Nottingham. Chris Woakes and Brydon Carse strengthen the pace attack, while Josh Tongue keeps his place as a specialist seamer. Shoaib Bashir remains England’s sole frontline spinner, with Sam Cook and all-rounder Jamie Overton making way.
Notably, all three of England’s main pacers, along with captain Ben Stokes, are returning from injury layoffs. They will be tested by India’s young but dynamic batting unit in what promises to be a high-stakes series opener.
England XI for 1st Test vs India at Headingley:
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (capt.), Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir.
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