The first Test will be played at Headingley in Leeds.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), on June 5, 2025, announced the 14-man England squad for the first Test of the five-match series against India. The first test of the series will be played in Headingley from June 20 onwards.
Since their 4-1 series loss in India 18 months ago, England's team has undergone major upheaval. Jonny Bairstow, Ben Foakes, and Ollie Robinson have all been dropped, and James Anderson retired soon after that tour.
Ben Stokes has been named the captain of the side, which sees Joe Root, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, and Ollie Pope as the main batters.
While playing in the IPL, Bethell missed the Zimbabwe Test, and his return puts England in a difficult position. Ollie Pope and Zak Crawley's spots were under pressure after his stellar debut series in New Zealand, where he struck three half-centuries at No. 3. However, both players scored hundreds against Zimbabwe and might be able to cling onto their seats for the time being.
Meanwhile, Gus Atkinson was confirmed to miss out on the first Test, leaving the ECB to recall Jamie Overton, who has played only one Test in 2022. Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, and Josh Tongue are the other pacers, while Sam Cook was retained by England from the Zimbabwe Test.
Woakes and Carse had missed the Zimbabwe Test due to niggles. To be ready for the first Test, Woakes and Josh Tongue, who missed the 2024 season due to injury, are both included in the team and will play for the England Lions against India A this week at Northampton.
Shoaib Bashir has been named as the sole spinner in the England squad.
The ECB also noted that due to knee problems, Mark Wood and Olly Stone are both out of the series, and Jofra Archer won't be ready to play until the second Test at the latest due to a thumb problem.
England squad for 1st Test vs India:
Ben Stokes (C), Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (WK), Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes
(ECB inputs)