India vs England: A look at England's Playing XI for the first Test

The start of the new WTC Cycle is knocking at the door, with just a day left before India takes on England in their backyard. The commencement of the new cycle will see a transitioned Indian side, led by the young Shubman Gill and devoid of the experience of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. As the visitors keep most of their plans under wraps for now, the home team has announced its combination for the opening India vs England Test. The opening fixture of the India Tour of England is scheduled to take off on Friday, June 20, at Leeds, Headingley.

England's Playing XI announced for the first India vs England Test

England have announced their playing XI for the opening Test against India at Headingley, backing their trusted combination. England have kept their vice-captain Ollie Pope settled at No. 3. This means Jacob Bethell, who was being considered to play against India, has been left out. The series marks England’s first assignment in the new WTC Cycle, and a critical one ahead of their Ashes campaign in Australia later this year.

Despite murmurs surrounding his form, Pope holds on to his spot. Although he made headlines with a dominant 171 against Zimbabwe in England’s last Test, his numbers against India at home don’t inspire much confidence. The No. 3 batter averages merely 21 from four matches, with just 147 runs to show. Still, the team has opted to back experience and continuity over recent flair.

The omission of the 21-year-old Jacob Bethell will surprise many. The youngster had impressed in recent outings, putting together three half-centuries against New Zealand and a fluent 82 in the ODI series versus West Indies. But selectors seem to have leaned on his lack of red-ball milestones, notably, no first-class hundred, and limited multi-day cricket exposure. Earlier nods from skipper Ben Stokes had hinted at Bethell’s inclusion, though he later clarified his remarks were taken out of context.

Chris Woakes has been cleared to return from an ankle injury and slots into the pace attack. He’ll be joined by Brydon Carse, set to make his first Test appearance on home turf. With Gus Atkinson ruled out due to a hamstring concern, Carse could share new-ball duties, a scenario unfamiliar in Tests. However, Carse will arrive at Headingley following an impressive white-ball show against West Indies.

Rounding off the bowling line-up are Josh Tongue and spinner Shoaib Bashir, while Jamie Smith continues behind the stumps. Sam Cook and Jamie Overton miss out, though Atkinson is expected to rejoin the squad later in the series. There’s also anticipation around Jofra Archer, who is set to play a County Championship fixture this weekend in preparation for a possible red-ball return.

India, on the other hand, have yet to unveil their XI. With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli having stepped away from the Test format, a new-look batting order will take shape. Rishabh Pant, speaking at the pre-match press conference, confirmed that Shubman Gill will now bat at No. 4, while he himself retains the No. 5 slot. The No. 3 position remains open, with KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal expected to open the innings. The No. 3 spot in the Indian combination would see a tussle between Karun Nair and Sai Sudharsan most likely, with Abhimanyu Easwaran also acting as a potential prospect.

While Nair has announced his credentials with a double ton for India A against England Lions in the first unofficial Test, Sudharsan awaits his debut. Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah has confirmed his participation in the opening Test. The lead Indian seamer will play only three out of the five India vs England matches. Moreover, the young Harshit Rana has been added to the India squad for the opening Test at Leeds.

England's Playing XI for the first India vs England Test at Headingley:

Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (C), Jamie Smith (WK), Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, and Shoaib Bashir