England reveal playing XI for first Test against India
London, June 18 (UNI) The Ben Stokes-led England confirmed their lineup for the first of five Tests against India at Headingley starting on June 20.
The two changes in the lineup that featured in the one-off Test against England is the inclusion seasoned all-rounder Chris Woakes and right-arm quick Brydon Carse.
Woakes, who is coming on the back of recovering from an ankle injury, last featured during England's tour of New Zealand in December 2024.
England XI: Ben Stokes (C), Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith (WK), Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir
The 36-year-old was recently in action for England Lions during their game against India A in Northampton, where he finished with five wickets across the two innings, an ICC report said.
Brydon Carse, who also featured during the New Zealand Test series, is also returning after a bout with a toe injury that sidelined him from the ICC Champions Trophy earlier this year.
The hosts will be bolstered by an in-form batting line-up that was on display during a high-scoring outing against Zimbabwe last month.
The top-three of Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope, all amassed centuries as England won
by an innings and 45 runs.
Shoaib Bashir, who nabbed nine wickets through the Test and was named the Player of the Match, features as the sole spinner in the attack.
The contest will mark the first assignment for the two sides in the new ICC World Test Championship cycle.
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