Archer's Absence To Overton's Surprise Call; Key Takeaways From England's Squad vs India

Probuddha Bhattacharjee

Jofra Archer and Ben Stokes [Source: @WisdenCricket, @ICC/x.com]Jofra Archer and Ben Stokes [Source: @WisdenCricket, @ICC/x.com]

With the 18th edition of the IPL over, the focus of Indian cricket now shifts to the purest format of the game. India is due to face England in a five-match Test series starting later this month. The hosts have announced their squad for the first match of the series.

As India prepare to take on the English side led by their new captain, Shubman Gill, they must be ready for what is expected to come their way. In this article, we will take a look at the key takeaways from the England squad that has been announced for the first Test. 

England squad for 1st Test vs India

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

1. Crisis In The Pace Department

The English pace attack has been hit by injuries at the worst possible time. Gus Atkinson, one of the prized possessions of England in the recent past. He will not be available for the first match due to a hamstring strain.

Besides Atkinson, players like Mark Wood, Jofra Archer and Olly Stone are also unavailable due to injuries. These leaves England heavily reliant on the experience Chris Woakes and Brydon Carse. Alongside these two bowlers, they will have the likes of Josh Tongue and the surprise call Jamie Overton, who need to step up their game. 

2. Jamie Overton's Unexpected Lifeline

The surprise call of the Surrey all-rounder is one of the most intriguing calls of this squad. Jamie Overton has not played a Test since 2022. He was recently seen as a part of the CSK squad in IPL 2025. However, he did not play a major role for the franchise. 

Overton finds himself with a lot of responsibilities on his shoulders as he will have to fill up for the key missing pieces of the English puzzle during the game. The call-up of Jamie Overton indicates a somewhat panic decision and also the thinness of the current pace resources of the team. 

3. Jacob Bethell's Return Sparks Selection Dilemma

The 21-year-old's inclusion after missing the Zimbabwe Test creates fascinating tactical questions for captain Ben Stokes. Jacob Bethell impressed during his debut series in New Zealand with three half-centuries batting at number three, however Ollie Pope's current form makes it tough to include the young all-rounder. With Bethell yet to score a professional hundred, his role in the playing XI remains uncertain, though his versatility and potential could prove valuable against India's varied attack.

4. Bowling Balance Heavily Skewed Toward Spin

Shoaib Bashir emerges as the sole frontline spinner following his outstanding nine-wicket match figures against Zimbabwe, including a crucial second-innings six-for. This puts enormous pressure on the 21-year-old to deliver. England's lack of a second spinning option - traditionally filled by Joe Root's part-time off-spin - suggests they're banking on pace-friendly conditions or expecting their seamers to shoulder a disproportionate workload.

5. Experienced Core Offers Stability Amid Uncertainty

Despite the injury concerns and selection puzzles, England can draw confidence from their established batting nucleus. Ben Stokes' leadership, Joe Root's consistency, and Harry Brook's explosive potential provide a solid foundation that has proven successful.

Jamie Smith's lower-order versatility and Ben Duckett's aggressive opening approach complement this experienced core. The retention of Chris Woakes, when fit, also brings crucial knowledge of English conditions and the ability to contribute with both bat and ball.