Chris Woakes Returns As England Reveal Playing XI For 1st Test Vs India

Woakes back in England XI [Source: @englandcricket/x.com]

India and England are all set to battle in a riveting 5-match Test series, commencing on June 20 at the iconic Headingley, Leeds. The two teams will begin their journey in the WTC cycle 2025-27 and the series will shape up their future in this cycle. Interestingly, with a day still left, the hosts have announced their playing XI for the Headingley match.

Chris Woakes, who last played a Test in December 2024 makes his return and has been included in the playing XI. Also, Brydon Carse will be playing his first-ever Test match on home soil - having played previously in New Zealand and Pakistan.

The team lacks depth in their bowling attack, especially with Gus Atkinson getting injured for the first Test match.

England's playing XI For 1st Test

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

Woakes has a terrific record against India and has been a key wicket taker against them in red-ball cricket. On the other  hand, Carse has played all of his Tests away from home and they will be partnered by Josh Tongue as the trio will form a formidable pace attack. With the pitch likely to assist the pacers, England have gone in with just a solitary spinner in Shoaib Bashir.

Pope retains his place, no place for Bethell

England Cricket's Director, Rob Key gave a hint on Tuesday that the team could play Jacob Bethell at number 3 instead of Ollie Pope. The Surrey batter only averaged 33 in Test cricket in 2024 but he racked up a solid hundred against Zimbabwe in the recently concluded Test match and secured his place at number 3.

The middle order looks stacked with Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes and Jamie Smith in the batting order.

---

ALSO READ

Leeds Weather Comes Into Play As Mysterious Pitch Awaits India In Headingley Test

---