ENG vs IND: England squad announced for 1st Test against India

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced a 14-member squad for the opening Test of the five-match series against India, scheduled to begin on June 20 at Headingley, Leeds. The selection sees a few notable changes as England aims to start the home series on a strong note against one of the world’s top Test sides. One of the key highlights of the squad is the return of seam-bowling all-rounder Jamie Overton to the red-ball setup. Overton, who has shown consistent performances in domestic cricket, will be looking to make a significant impact in the absence of several first-choice pacers. His inclusion comes as Surrey teammate Gus Atkinson misses out due to a right hamstring injury.

Atkinson sustained the injury during England's one-off Test against Zimbabwe last month, and the medical staff deemed him unfit for the opening fixture. With Atkinson sidelined and ongoing injury concerns surrounding other pace bowlers like Mark Wood and Jofra Archer, Overton's inclusion brings much-needed balance and depth to the squad. England will be hoping his experience and ability with both bat and ball provide the necessary edge in challenging home conditions. The upcoming clash at Headingley promises to be a high-intensity start to what is expected to be a thrilling Test series.

“Surrey’s Gus Atkinson was unavailable for selection due to a right hamstring injury sustained during the recent Test against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge,” an ECB statement said.

Jamie Overton, who recently turned out for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL), is set to make a return to England's Test squad. Despite his limited experience at the international level, Overton has shown promise, having played just one Test match for England so far. Interestingly, his lone appearance came in June 2022, at the very same venue where the upcoming first Test against India will be played — Headingley in Leeds. That match, against New Zealand, marked his debut in red-ball cricket for England, where he impressed with both bat and ball. Now, with England grappling with multiple injury concerns in their pace department, Overton’s return adds a valuable option for the selectors. His recent IPL stint with CSK also allowed him to stay match-fit and sharpen his skills against top-tier competition, potentially setting him up for a strong showing in the high-stakes Test series.

England's Test squad for the opening match against India at Headingley features a mix of experienced names and promising youngsters, although injury concerns loom large. Jamie Overton, the 31-year-old all-rounder, sustained a fractured finger on his right hand during the first ODI against the West Indies on May 29. Since then, the England medical team has been closely monitoring his recovery. Despite the setback, Overton remains part of the squad as England weigh their pace options, which also include Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, and Josh Tongue.

Ben Stokes will lead the side in this highly anticipated five-match series. Behind the stumps, Jamie Smith has been entrusted with wicketkeeping duties. The top order is expected to comprise Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, and Ollie Pope — all of whom were in fine form during the recent Test against Zimbabwe, with each scoring a century. Meanwhile, Matthew Potts and James Rew have been left out of the squad, while Jacob Bethell has been drafted in after missing the four-day match against Zimbabwe. Shoaib Bashir, who earned Player of the Match honours in that Test, remains the only frontline spinner in the side, reinforcing England’s reliance on pace and a balanced batting unit for the India clash.

England squad for 1st Test against India

Ben Stokes (captain), Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes.