ENG vs IND: England have named their playing XI for the first Test against India at Headingley, starting June 20. The team looks as expected, with no big surprises. Ben Stokes will lead the side, which includes three fast bowlers – Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, and Josh Tongue. Shoaib Bashir has been picked as the only spinner.
ENG vs IND: No Surprises in England’s Playing XI for Headingley Test
For the batting line-up, Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett will open the innings. Ollie Pope and Joe Root are set to follow, while Harry Brook, Ben Stokes, and Jamie Smith will handle the middle order.
The main point of discussion from the squad announcement was the absence of Jacob Bethell. The 21-year-old made his Test debut against New Zealand late last year and impressed with three consecutive half-centuries. Many saw him as the next rising star along with Brook and Smith, but he has not been picked for the Test squad this time.
ENG vs IND: Jacob Bethell Misses Out Despite Impressive Debut Series
Jacob Bethell scored 260 runs in six innings at an average of 52 during the New Zealand series. But despite that good form, he was not picked for the one-off Test against Zimbabwe and will also miss the first Test against India. Along with Bethell, Sam Cook and Jamie Overton have also been left out of the playing eleven for the Headingley Test.
Harry Brook, Jamie Smith, Brydon Carse, and Josh Tongue will all be playing their first Test against India. Brook was supposed to play in the five-match series in India last year but missed it because of a family emergency.
Gus Atkinson has been ruled out of this match as he is recovering from a right hamstring strain. It is still not clear if he will be fit to play later in the series.
ENGLAND PLAYING XI FOR ENG vs IND SERIES
England playing XI – Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir
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