England will start their five-match Test series against India on June 20 at the Headingley in Leeds. This will kick off the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle for both the teams.
Jofra Archer, Mark Wood and Gus Atkinson are injured and have affected England’s bowling options. But their batting line-up looks solid, with Joe Root, Ben Stokes and Ollie Pope expected to carry the bulk of the responsibility.
Here's how their playing XI could look like for the first Test against India:
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Also read: IND vs ENG Pitch Report & Weather Updates at Headingley, Leeds: India tour of England, 1st Test
Likely England Playing XI for First Test vs India
- Top Order
Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett are set to open the innings. Crawley has cemented his place at the top with his aggressive strokeplay. Duckett, who recently scored a century in the one-off Test against Zimbabwe, has been one England’s most consistent batters. Together, they have built a strong understanding and give England the tempo they seek in the opening.
Ollie Pope, who also scored a big hundred in the Zimbabwe series, will slot in at No. 3, forming England’s top-order.
- Middle Order
Joe Root, still England’s most reliable batter in Test cricket, will bat at four. Harry Brook is set to retain his place at five. Jamie Smith, who kept wickets against Zimbabwe, will perform the same role.
- All-Rounders
Ben Stokes will lead the side and could bowl a few overs depending on his fitness. Chris Woakes, who has not played a Test since December, is expected to make his comeback.
- Bowlers
Josh Tongue and Brydon Carse are the front-runners among the quicks. Both offer pace and bounce. Shoaib Bashir, who made his international debut on the India tour last year, is expected to be the lone spinner.
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England’s Probable 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
Also read: ENG vs IND: “He’s a Superstar” - Jos Buttler Ranks Jasprit Bumrah as India’s Biggest Weapon
