Brace yourselves, cricket fans! The stage is set for an electrifying showdown as England unveil their playing XI for the opening Test of the much-anticipated five-match series against India. Scheduled to kick off on Friday, June 20, at the iconic Headingley Stadium in Leeds, this clash marks the beginning of the 2025–27 World Test Championship cycle for both teams and inaugurates the prestigious Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy. With both sides in transition, this series promises to be a thrilling battle of grit, skill, and strategy.
Leading the headlines is the return of veteran all-rounder Chris Woakes, who is back in the Test fold for the first time since December last year. Woakes, known for his lethal seam bowling on English soil and handy contributions with the bat, bolsters England’s attack alongside a dynamic lower-order depth. His record at home is nothing short of impressive, with 98 wickets at an average of 22.04 in Test matches on English pitches. His inclusion replaces the injured Gus Atkinson, signaling England’s intent to exploit familiar conditions.
Another notable selection is Durham’s young pacer Brydon Carse, who earns his first Test cap on home soil. Having cut his teeth in five away Tests across Pakistan and New Zealand, Carse’s raw pace and ability to extract bounce could pose a real threat to India’s batting lineup. He steps in for Sam Cook, adding fresh firepower to England’s pace battery. Meanwhile, wicketkeeper-batsman Jamie Smith retains his place, providing stability and flair to the middle order.
However, the spotlight shines brightest on England’s batting order, particularly the retention of Ollie Pope at the crucial No.3 position. Despite intense competition from the prodigious Jacob Bethell, who dazzled during England’s winter tour of New Zealand and the white-ball series against the West Indies, Pope has held firm. Bethell, the 21-year-old sensation, made headlines with his explosive performances but opted for the IPL with Royal Challengers Bengaluru over the recent Zimbabwe Test. Pope seized the opportunity in that match, smashing a commanding 171 runs to cement his spot. Yet, his form against top sides like India and Australia raises eyebrows—averaging a modest 24.60 against India and a dismal 15.70 in Ashes Tests. Captain Ben Stokes dismissed speculations of bias towards Bethell as mere “agenda-driven noise,” backing Pope to deliver when it matters most.
Under Stokes’ leadership, England field a well-balanced side with multiple bowling options and a robust batting core. This series is a golden opportunity to stamp their authority early in the WTC cycle. On the other side, India, led by their dynamic new captain Shubman Gill, are hungry to end an 18-year drought for a Test series victory on English soil, their last triumph coming in 2007 under Rahul Dravid. With a youthful squad brimming with talent, India will look to challenge England’s home dominance, especially on a Headingley track notorious for assisting seamers.
As the countdown to the first ball begins, all eyes are on how these selections play out. Will Woakes’ experience prove decisive? Can Pope silence his critics with a defining knock? And will India’s young guns rise to the occasion? One thing is certain—this Headingley Test is poised to set the tone for an unforgettable summer of cricket. Stay tuned for every boundary, wicket, and dramatic twist in this epic rivalry!