Woakes Returns, Carse Debuts: England Announce Playing XI for 1st Test vs India

England have announced their playing XI for the first Test against India at Headingley, starting June 20. Chris Woakes makes his return to the Test side after nearly six months, while Brydon Carse is all set to make his home Test debut.

Jamie Smith has been picked as the wicketkeeper, ahead of Jacob Bethell who misses out. England have gone with a pace-heavy attack, with Woakes, Carse, and Josh Tongue forming the frontline seamers. Skipper Ben Stokes will act as the fourth pace option.

Shoaib Bashir has been named the only specialist spinner in the side, a clear indication that England are counting on their seamers to do the job in home conditions.

Four Players to Play Their First Test Against India

Four England players – Harry Brook, Jamie Smith, Brydon Carse, and Josh Tongue – will be playing their first-ever Test match against India. Brook was earlier named in the squad during India’s last tour but missed the series due to a family emergency.

Meanwhile, Gus Atkinson has been ruled out of the first Test due to a hamstring injury. It is not yet clear when he will be fit to play again in the ongoing five-match series.

Aggressive Batting Core Stays the Same

The top five remain unchanged and continue to reflect the aggressive ‘Bazball’ style of play. Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett will open the innings, followed by Ollie Pope at No. 3, Joe Root at 4, and Harry Brook at 5. All of them are known for attacking strokeplay, and England look ready to keep the pressure on India from ball one.

India Confirm Batting Order Change

Meanwhile, India’s vice-captain Rishabh Pant has confirmed that Shubman Gill will bat at No. 4, filling the big hole left by Virat Kohli’s retirement. Pant himself will continue to bat at No. 5.

India’s squad is a mix of experience and youth. The team includes Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Sai Sudharsan, and Karun Nair for the top and middle-order options. In the bowling department, they have the spin duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav, while Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj will lead the pace attack.

The Test marks a fresh chapter in the India-England rivalry, with new faces stepping into key roles. While England stay committed to their fearless approach, India will look to find the right balance as they begin life without some of their senior players.

England Playing XI for 1st Test vs India:

Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (Captain), Jamie Smith (Wicket-keeper), Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir