India Tour of England: England Unveil 14-Member Squad for 1st Test at Headingley
Welcome to a thrilling summer of cricket as England gear up to host India in a blockbuster five-match Test series as part of the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has set the stage by announcing a formidable 14-member squad for the opening Test, scheduled to commence on June 20, 2025, at the iconic Headingley Stadium in Leeds. This series promises high-octane drama, and the squad selection offers a tantalizing glimpse into England’s strategy against a formidable Indian side.
The headline news from the announcement is the much-anticipated return of fast-bowling all-rounder Jamie Overton to the Test fold. Overton, who last played for England in 2022, steps in as a replacement for his injured Surrey teammate Gus Atkinson, who has been sidelined due to a hamstring issue. Overton’s inclusion brings a dynamic edge to the squad, with his ability to contribute with both bat and ball—his first-class record boasts over 200 wickets at an average of 30.59 and a handy batting average of 24.86. His return is a significant boost for England as they look to counter India’s versatile attack.
Under the steadfast leadership of Ben Stokes, who continues to inspire with his all-round brilliance, England have opted for a blend of seasoned campaigners and exciting young talents. The batting core remains robust with stalwarts like Joe Root, who recently surpassed 12,000 Test runs, alongside opener Zak Crawley and vice-captain Ollie Pope. Adding firepower are Yorkshire’s own Harry Brook and Nottinghamshire’s Ben Duckett, both of whom have been in scintillating form in county cricket.
In the bowling department, experienced pacers Chris Woakes and Josh Tongue will spearhead the attack, supported by emerging talents Sam Cook from Essex and Durham’s Brydon Carse, known for their relentless accuracy and pace. The spin department sees the retention of young off-spinner Shoaib Bashir from Somerset, who impressed during England’s tour of India earlier this year with his composure under pressure. All-round prospects like Jacob Bethell and wicketkeeper-batsman Jamie Smith complete a well-rounded squad, signaling England’s intent to nurture future stars.
Here’s the full England squad for the 1st Test: Ben Stokes (Durham – Captain), Shoaib Bashir (Somerset), Jacob Bethell (Warwickshire), Harry Brook (Yorkshire), Brydon Carse (Durham), Sam Cook (Essex), Zak Crawley (Kent), Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire), Jamie Overton (Surrey), Ollie Pope (Surrey), Joe Root (Yorkshire), Jamie Smith (Surrey), Josh Tongue (Nottinghamshire), and Chris Woakes (Warwickshire).
The first Test at Headingley is poised to be a tone-setter for the series, with both teams eager to gain early momentum in this crucial World Test Championship battle. Historically, Headingley has been a fortress for England, with memorable victories including the dramatic 2019 Ashes triumph against Australia, powered by Stokes’ heroics. However, India will draw confidence from their gritty performances during the 2021 tour of England, where they clinched a historic win at Lord’s. With weather forecasts predicting a typical English summer—overcast skies and a lively pitch—the stage is set for a gripping contest between bat and ball.
As we count down to the first ball on June 20, cricket fans across the globe are bracing for a showdown that could define the trajectory of both teams in the WTC standings. Will England’s balanced squad deliver on home soil, or will India’s depth and resilience steal the show? Drop your predictions in the comments below, and stay tuned for more updates as this epic series unfolds!