The countdown to the five-match Test series between India and England has officially begun. The visitors have wasted no time in laying their cards on the table. On Tuesday, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) named their playing XI for the series opener at the Headingley, Leeds, set to begin on June 20.
Ben Stokes will lead a side that mostly features familiar names. While the batting core remains largely intact, the bowling attack has undergone a reshuffle because of fitness concerns surrounding Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, and Gus Atkinson.
One of the most important developments is the comeback of Chris Woakes. Here's England’s playing XI for the first Test versus India:
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England’s Playing XI Set for Headingley Test: No Room for Jacob Bethell
Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett continue as openers, while Ollie Pope who scored a daddy hundred against Zimbabwe has been retained at the No. 3 slot. He was competing with Jacob Bethell but England have stuck with him for the Headingley clash.
Joe Root is set to anchor the middle-order and will bat at his usual No. 4 position. Harry Brook as expected will come in at 5 followed by captain Ben Stokes at 6. It will be interesting to see how Stokes manages his workload and uses himself with the ball.
Young wicket-keeper Jamie Smith will play his first Test against India. He will bat at No. 7
Chris Woakes, who will be back in action in international cricket for the first time since December, brings experience to the lower-order. He will be joined by right-arm quicks Brydon Carse and Josh Tongue.
Shoaib Bashir is the lone spinner in the XI.
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England Playing XI for First Test vs India
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir
