England Announces First Test Squad: Bethel and Overton Recalled

Atkinson Ruled Out as England Faces Selection Dilemma

Gus Atkinson stepped out due to a massive injury. Jacob Bethell’s inclusion adds to the confusion over who will play in the top order, while Chris Woakes and Brydon Carse have returned after missing the match against Zimbabwe due to minor injuries. Ben Stokes will remain the captain, with key players like Joe Root, Zak Crawley, and Ollie Pope making up the main batting lineup. Young players such as Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, and Jamie Smith have also been kept in the squad, as England aims to create a well-balanced team with both experienced and young talent.

England first believed that Atkinson would heal in time for the opening Test, but he was later ruled out, leaving them short on fast bowlers. Mark Wood and Olly Stone are both missing the series due to knee injuries, and Jofra Archer won’t be ready to play until at least the second Test because of a thumb problem.

England’s Fresh Lineup After India

England's team looks very different compared to when they lost 4-1 in India 18 months ago. James Anderson retired soon after that series, and Jonny Bairstow, Ben Foakes, and Ollie Robinson are no longer part of the squad. India has also gone through changes, with R Ashwin, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma all retiring. Shubman Gill is now leading the team as captain for the first time.

2025 India-England Test Series

The series starts in Headingley, then moves to Edgbaston, Lord’s, and Emirates Old Trafford, before ending at the Kia Oval. India, who haven’t won a Test series in England since 2007, hav already sent some players from their squad early to play for India A against the Lions. The rest of the team will reach the UK on Friday. 

India Tour to England 

India will tour England for an eagerly awaited five-Test series in the 2025-27 World Test Championship. The opening match at Headingley is expected to kick off an exciting summer of cricket. 

England squad for first Test vs India: Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Ben Stokes (capt), Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes.