The battle for red-ball dominance is about to begin! England have officially announced their playing XI for the first Test against India, set to begin on Friday, June 20, at Headingley, Leeds. Under the leadership of Ben Stokes, this match kicks off the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle for both teams.
England’s confirmed Playing XI for 1st Test vs India
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Zak Crawley | Right-hand opening batter |
| Ben Duckett | Left-hand attacking opener |
| Ollie Pope | Anchoring No. 3 |
| Joe Root | Ex-captain, middle-order maestro |
| Harry Brook | Dynamic stroke-player |
| Ben Stokes (C) | All-rounder and tactical leader |
| Jamie Smith (WK) | Young wicketkeeper-batsman |
| Chris Woakes | Swing bowler and handy lower-order bat |
| Brydon Carse | Right-arm pacer returning from injury |
| Josh Tongue | Tall, skiddy fast bowler |
| Shoaib Bashir | Off-spinner and rising star |
Also read: England vs India 1st Test 2025: Full Schedule, Match Timings, Squads, Predicted XIs & Where to Watch
Top-Order in Blistering Form
England’s top three,Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, and Ollie Pope are entering this series with confidence sky-high. All three scored centuries in their last Test outing against Zimbabwe, powering England to a win by an innings and 45 runs. Their form will be crucial against India’s fiery pace attack and crafty spinners.
Comebacks Add Firepower
Chris Woakes, back after an ankle injury, brings invaluable experience and swing with the red ball. His ability to bat at No. 8 adds depth to the lineup. Brydon Carse also makes a return, having missed the Champions Trophy due to a toe injury. He was sharp in the New Zealand series and is expected to crank up the pace.
Wicketkeeper Watch
Jamie Smith steps in as wicketkeeper, marking a fresh era behind the stumps. With the gloves passed over from seasoned names like Foakes and Bairstow, this is a big moment for the youngster.
Spin Control
Shoaib Bashir, the only specialist spinner in the side, impressed with a nine-wicket haul in England’s previous Test. His performance earned him Player of the Match, and he’ll be England’s main spin threat on a surface expected to offer bounce but limited turn.
A New Chapter in the World Test Championship
This Headingley Test is not just any series opener it also marks the start of a new WTC cycle. India, under new captain Shubman Gill, and England, with the impetus of their aggressive Bazball strategy, are both keen to make an early statement on the road to the 2027 final.
Expect the Englishmen to make outrageous declarations at the start of the match, score at blistering pace, and attempt calculated risks, while the depth and spin power of the Indian team will challenge England’s fearlessness.
Final Thoughts: England Mix Experience With Flair
Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum nevertheless changed the team, partly for this series, to put up the sound combined strength of reliability from senior players against the chuckle of youthful energy. Root and Woakes will both anchor the nation’s ship with about fifty years of experience between them, while the fresh blood of Smith and Bashir offers a new breath of reinvigoration.
With Headingley offering help to both pacers and batters, this is the perfect setting for excitement over a five-Test match series. And surely, England’s XI looks battle-ready enough to take on a well-balanced Indian team, another early classic in the WTC race.
Match Info
- Match: 1st Test – India vs England
- Date: Friday, 20 June 2025
- Venue: Headingley, Leeds
- Event: ICC World Test Championship 2025–27
Written by RITESH SINGH
