Team announced for the first match. (Photo-Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
A 5 -match Test series is to be played between India and England from 20 June. This series is part of the World Test Championship 2025-27. The England Cricket Board has announced its team for the first match of this series. England have included a total of 14 players for the initial match. The test will begin on 20 June 2025 in Headingley. The team will go to play under the captaincy of Ben Stokes. Which includes senior players like Joe Root, Oli Pope and Ben Docket. At the same time, some young players have also been elected.
England announced the team
Fast bowler Jamie Overton has returned to the England cricket team, while his companion’s partner Gas Atkinson will be out of the match due to injury. Star players like Jack Croly, Harry Brook, Sam Cook and Jacob Bethel are also part of this squad. At the same time, Shoaib Bashir will be responsible for spin bowling. While the fast bowling attack includes Josh Tung, Chris Woakes, and Bridan Cars with Jamie Overton. Johnny Smith has been elected as a wicketkeeper in this squad. This is a big opportunity for Jamie Overton. He has returned to the Test team after three years. But the absence of Gas Atkinson is a big setback for the team. Atkinson faced a hamstring injury during the only Test against Zimbabwe last month. Due to which he is not fit at the moment.
This series is very important for England, as he had to face a tough defeat in his last Test series against India. However, under the captaincy of Ben Stokes, the team would like to take a strong start by taking advantage of domestic conditions this time. On the other hand, India’s team is also ready for this series. Recently, India ‘A’ played a match against Lions, in which Karun Nair scored a brilliant double century. The England team is expected to get a tough competition from Indian batsmen and bowlers.
England team for first Test against India
Ben Stokes (Captain), Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethel, Harry Brook, Bridon Karse, Sam Cook, Jack Crlay, Ben Docket, Jamie Overton, Oli Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tung, Chris Woakes.